Creamy Spinach White Bean Skillet (Printable)
A comforting one-pan vegetarian dish with tender white beans, fresh spinach, and luscious creamy sauce—ready in 30 minutes.
# List of ingredients:
→ Produce
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Beans
06 - 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
→ Dairy
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Broth & Seasoning
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the skillet. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to begin melding.
04 - Add fresh spinach in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. This prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
05 - Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors fully meld together.
07 - Stir in fresh lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.
08 - Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
- The creamy sauce clings to every single bean, making each bite impossibly satisfying
02 -
- Adding spinach gradually rather than all at once prevents it from steaming in its own moisture
- The sauce will continue thickening as it stands off the heat, so do not over-reduce
03 -
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre-grated for better melting
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom when adding broth