Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet
Tender cannellini beans simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, wilted baby spinach, and shaved aged Parmesan.
In a nutshell:This authentic italian creamy tuscan white bean and sun-dried tomato skillet comes together in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients. The chef's secret: crushing about 1/4 of the beans against the skillet floor releases natural starches that make the sauce silky thick. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
A comforting 20-minute vegetarian Mediterranean dinner! Creamy cannellini beans absorb a luxurious sauce made from sweet sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and heavy cream, served bubbling hot with crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Pro-Tip: Crushing about 1/4 of the beans against the skillet floor releases natural starches that make the sauce silky thick.
- Pro-Tip: Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for sautéing to infuse extra rich tomato-herb flavor.
- Pro-Tip: Make it dairy-free by substituting canned coconut cream and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
Ingredients
4
servings
-
2 cans cannellini beans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained
-
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, or oil from sun-dried tomato jar
-
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
-
1 small shallot, finely diced
-
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and julienned
-
¾ cup vegetable broth, low-sodium
-
⅔ cup heavy cream, or canned coconut cream
-
3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
-
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated, plus extra for serving
-
1 tsp Italian herb seasoning, dried oregano, basil, thyme
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional, for mild heat
-
½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
-
4 slices crusty sourdough bread, toasted for serving
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallot and sliced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Deglaze
Add julienned sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to bloom herbs. Pour in vegetable broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Simmer Beans & Cream
Stir in rinsed cannellini beans and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, lightly crushing a few spoonfuls of beans with the back of a wooden spoon to thicken the sauce.
Fold Spinach & Parmesan
Add baby spinach in handfuls, stirring until just wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and black pepper until sauce is glossy and rich.
Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly torn basil leaves, extra shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately with warm toasted sourdough bread.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Great Northern beans or navy beans swap in seamlessly with identical cooking times.
Absolutely! Seared chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage pair wonderfully.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.