This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a cozy dish that combines creamy white beans and fresh spinach. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any night!
Honestly, who wouldn’t fall in love with a recipe that’s both tasty and easy? I can’t resist the creamy goodness, and the fact that it’s ready in just one pan makes clean-up a breeze. ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal for this dish due to their creamy texture. You can also substitute with chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand. They will give a slightly different flavor but still work well!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats to your dish and a great flavor base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use avocado oil instead.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half is a good substitute if you want something lighter, but for a dairy-free version, coconut milk can add a nice creaminess while keeping it rich.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan gives a classic flavor, you can swap with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option. Just adjust the salt since nutritional yeast is less salty!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Sautéed Garlic and Onion?
The garlic and onion are crucial to building flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Too high and you’ll burn the garlic!
- Add the onions first; they’ll take longer to soften. Sauté until they become translucent.
- Only then should you add the garlic, cooking it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Taking this step carefully ensures you get a sweet, aromatic base for your skillet dish!
What’s the Best Way to Wilt Spinach Quickly?
Wilting spinach doesn’t take much time at all! Here’s a quick guide:
- Add the spinach to the skillet after the beans and sauce have simmered. This way, the heat is already in the pan.
- Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes. The residual heat from the dish is usually enough to wilt it down nicely.
- If you prefer, you can add a splash of water to create steam, which helps wilt the spinach even faster.
This will keep the spinach vibrant and nutrient-rich while adding its lovely greenery to your dish!
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern beans), rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped crispy bacon or pancetta for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help release all those wonderful flavors!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until they become soft and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to be translucent and the garlic to be fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Add Some Spice:
Stir in the red pepper flakes and let them cook for another 30 seconds. This is what gives the dish a little kick!
4. Mix in the Beans:
Next, add the rinsed and drained white beans to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors together.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir until you form a creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir them in until they wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach is not only nutritious but adds beautiful color to the dish!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where all the flavors come together!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some crispy bacon or pancetta on top for extra flavor. Serve your Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, and enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread!
This creamy skillet dish combines tender white beans with fresh spinach in a rich, garlicky sauce with just the right touch of heat. You won’t be able to resist making it again!
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini and great northern beans are ideal, feel free to use chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained well!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this skillet dish vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over cooked pasta, quinoa, or rice. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
