Dinner

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.

May 28, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.8 (52 votes)
Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet
The Quick Takeaway

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.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Cuisine Italian
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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

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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
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 Essentials

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Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack

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Ultra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2

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Frequently 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.