Tuscan White Bean Skillet

Looking for an easy vegetarian meal? This twenty-minute White Bean Skillet is the answer. It starts with canned white beans that are cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and spices. This adds tons of flavor. Then to finish the dish, some artichoke hearts and baby spinach. Easy and delicious. 

White beans are rich in fiber, iron, and protein. I often use Cannellini beans for this recipe to stay true to its Italian roots but any white bean would work well. These popular beans are all rich in vitamins, iron, protein, and fiber. They make for a very filling protein in plant-based diets, especially when paired with this Tuscan-inspired sauce. Check out some of our other white bean recipes, such as these Stewed Basil Pesto White Beans or Slow Cooker Italian White Beans for more ways to incorporate these beans into your diet.

With healthy ingredients and a scrumptious sauce, this recipe will please even the pickiest of eaters. I love to make this recipe a healthier alternative to a heavy pasta dish. The white beans soak up the flavors of the sauce well. This dish has grown to become one of my go-to meatless meals.

What'll You Need to Make Tuscan White Beans

This creamy, traditional Tuscan sauce is so flavorful. It can be used in a plethora of different meals. Feel free to make this sauce separately to save in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. It calls for only a few and easily accessible ingredients.

• Canned white beans: This recipe starts with canned white beans instead of traditional dried beans. Normally I reach for cannellini beans, but any white bean will work and you could also swap in chickpeas.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These dried tomatoes have a prominent sweet yet tart flavor that pairs well in this recipe. They are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.
• Olive Oil: This ingredient is a pantry staple packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil has also been known to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is preferred for this recipe to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the sauce. Garlic has a ton of health benefits and has been reclaimed for lowering cholesterol levels.
• Onions: Onions pair well with garlic and olive oil to create the base of this sauce. They also boast anti-inflammatory qualities and may lower blood pressure levels.
• Italian Seasoning: This popular seasoning blend typically contains dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Grab this seasoning at your local supermarket or make your own using ingredients in your spice cabinet. These herbs are a great source of dietary fiber and are a staple in my kitchen.
• Spinach: Although spinach is often added towards the end of the recipe, most Tuscan-inspired dishes incorporate this leafy green. It has high contents of vitamins, fiber, calcium, and iron.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

There are lots of ways to customize this white bean skillet and make it your own.

• Add meat or seafood: While white beans are already protein-packed, there is no harm in including more. Salmon, chicken, and shrimp make fantastic additions to this dish. Topping this dish with crispy pancetta or bacon is also quite tasty and adds texture. Check out our Tuscan chicken recipe for another alternative.
• Turn into a soup: this Tuscan-style skillet also tastes incredible as a soup. Find a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth for the best results. This savory and hearty soup is perfect year-round. Feel free to create a heavier or lighter broth based on the season.
• Make it cheesy: Top your white beans with some cheese while it is still hot for some added flavor. The cheese will add a bit of saltiness and allow for a creamier sauce. I recommend using parmesan, pecorino romano, or other low-calorie cheese varieties.
• Spice things up: Add some crushed red chili pepper flakes to your sauce for some extra spiciness. The fire-roasted tomatoes in this dish also bring smoky and sweet flavors that pair well with a bit of extra heat.
• Add carbs: This creamy sauce tastes amazing mixed with pasta or rice. Find a whole grain pasta or brown rice if you are looking for low-calorie alternatives. Zucchini noodles also make a great gluten-free and nutritious addition to this recipe. It is also a nutritional topping for toasted artisan bread.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Tuscan White Bean Skillet:

Can I substitute fresh or canned tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?

Not a fan of these tart tomatoes? You can substitute with canned tomatoes or paste as well for a similar effect. Fresh plum and cherry tomatoes also make a great addition to this recipe in terms of texture and sweetness. The change in flavor is not substantial and still tastes delicious.

How should I store these Tuscan white beans?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in a tightly sealed container. It can also last in the freezer for about three to four months. I find that the best way to reheat these white beans is by using a skillet or frying pan. Pour a drop of oil or water into a heated skillet.

Then add your Tuscan white beans, stirring until at your desired temperature. An alternative would be to toss them in the microwave but this may cause your beans to lose their initial crunch. This method is great if you are in a crunch for time or want to bring this on to go for lunch.

Looking for more healthy bean recipes?

• Rosemary White Bean and Kale Quesadillas
• Angel Hair Pasta with White Beans and Kale
• Ranch Chickpea Burgers
• Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chickpeas
• Sheet Pan Pesto Chickpeas and Vegetables