This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a cozy meal packed with flavor! It features hearty white beans, fresh spinach, and tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce that hugs every bite.
Cooking this dish feels like a big warm hug! It’s super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini is my favorite, creamy and tender. Great northern beans work great too. For a twist, you can use chickpeas or navy beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Bacon: It adds a nice smoky flavor, but feel free to swap it for turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You could also use sautéed mushrooms for a savory depth.
Heavy Cream: This is crucial for creaminess, but you can substitute coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste. Or use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
How Do I Make Sure The Spinach Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking spinach may seem simple, but it can be tricky not to overdo it. Fresh spinach should be just wilted, retaining its vibrant green color for a burst of freshness!
- Once you add the spinach to the skillet, cook for only 1 to 2 minutes on medium heat until it’s bright and wilted.
- Keep stirring gently to encourage even cooking. You want it soft but still full of nutrients and flavor!
How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Crusty bread slices, toasted (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy Tuscan white bean skillet will take around 25-30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and about 15-20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This will give your dish a lovely smoky flavor!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside (you’ll add it back later!). Keep the bacon fat in the skillet. Now, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and blister slightly.
4. Incorporate the Beans:
Now, stir in the drained white beans and warm them through for about 2 minutes. Just enough to get everything cozy!
5. Add Spinach:
Next, it’s time for the fresh spinach! Add the chopped spinach and cook it for about 2 minutes, or until it’s wilted. Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrition!
6. Make it Creamy:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese along with the dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and become rich and creamy.
7. Season and Combine:
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to bring back the crispy bacon and stir it in so every bite is filled with flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary for a lovely touch. Serve your creamy Tuscan white bean skillet hot, alongside some toasted crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy a warm, comforting meal!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Absolutely! Canned beans are convenient and save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using to reduce the sodium content and improve the flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the bacon. You can substitute with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a lighter option, mix some plain yogurt with milk until you reach the desired consistency, keeping an eye on the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce!
