Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Name: Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (14.5-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained; 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup whipping cream; 4 cups torn kale or spinach; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was created for the original yield. Amounts below are for 4 servings. Cooking times remain the same regardless of scaling.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 cups torn kale or spinach
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add beans, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Pour in the broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low and add the kale. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the greens begin to soften.
Remove from heat, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the beans, and stir to blend. Garnish with extra fresh oregano before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 603
Total Fat: 20g (26% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (46% DV)
Cholesterol: 41mg (14% DV)
Sodium: 853mg (37% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 81g (29% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 25g (89% DV)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 34g (67% DV)
Vitamin C: 43mg (47% DV)
Calcium: 568mg (44% DV)
Iron: 16mg (87% DV)
Potassium: 2654mg (56% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your needs.

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

History and Origins

The roots of the Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet trace back to the rustic kitchens of rural Tuscany, where humble ingredients such as beans, leafy greens, and olive oil formed the backbone of everyday meals. Beansespecially cannelliniwere long treasured as an accessible source of nourishment for farmers and shepherds. Over time, these simple dishes evolved into refined family favorites, enriched by local herbs and regional dairy traditions that gave them their signature creaminess. The modern interpretation preserves this comforting essence while adapting to contemporary tastes.

Regional Characteristics

Tuscanys culinary identity revolves around earthy flavors and minimalistic preparation. True to the region, this dish showcases sun-dried tomatoes for natural sweetness, artichokes for brightness, and oregano for herbaceous depth. The inclusion of kale or spinach mirrors traditional Tuscan cucina povera, where seasonal greens were incorporated into nearly every pot. The result is a recipe that embodies the regions love for clean, vibrant, and ingredient-forward cooking.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike hearty bean stews or brothy ribollita, this skillet version offers a velvety texture thanks to cream and Parmesan. It stands apart from Mediterranean bean sauts by balancing richness with acidity from sun-dried tomatoes and the delicate bite of artichokes. While many white bean dishes emphasize either rustic simplicity or heavy seasoning, this recipe harmonizes both worldsmaintaining Tuscan authenticity while adding a modern, indulgent twist.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Today, variations of creamy Tuscan bean dishes appear in Italian trattorias, wine bars, and contemporary farm-to-table restaurants. They are often served as vegetarian mains, light lunches, or warm side dishes accompanying roasted meats. In home kitchens, this skillet meal is especially popular for weeknight dining thanks to its short cooking time and versatility with bread, pasta, or grains.

Interesting Facts

Cannellini beans are sometimes called the Tuscan bean because of their deep cultural connection to the region. Sun-dried tomatoes were historically a preservation method for summer harvests, allowing families to enjoy rich tomato flavor throughout the winter. The combination of beans and greens has long been associated with good luck and prosperity in rural Italian folklore. Today, the dishs adaptabilitywhether made dairy-free, protein-boosted, or purely vegetarianhelps it remain a beloved staple in modern cooking.

FAQ about Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans such as great northern beans or navy beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the skillet.

To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream. Also, replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.

This creamy Tuscan white bean skillet pairs well with crusty bread, a simple salad, or as a side dish with pasta or grilled vegetables.

You can add more protein by including ingredients like grilled chicken, sausage, or even tofu. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well as an addition.

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh kale or spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the skillet.

If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes, though the flavor won't be as intense. Consider adding a bit of tomato paste for a richer taste.

The recipe includes crushed red pepper, which gives it a mild heat. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of red pepper or omit it altogether.

While this dish can technically be frozen, the texture of the beans and kale may change when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend only freezing the beans and sauce, and adding fresh greens when reheating.

You can substitute oregano with other herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Comments

MirthYak3233

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was absolutely delicious! I made a few tweaks based on what I had. Used great northern beans, a mix of red Swiss Chard & power greens, chicken broth and added shredded chicken that I had cooked in my instapot (for added protein). Served with a crusty sourdough baguette to mop up the sauce. Sooo good!!

Puppy Love

04/26/2025 09:37:14 PM

As soon as we started eating, family members started saying “Keeper”. I don’t drain & rinse my beans. The aquafaba made a nice and creamy sauce, so I skipped the heavy cream. I served it as a side, but I think it easily could be a main dish.

Terry

08/29/2025 09:20:55 PM

This was delicious. I didn’t drain the beans, did a mixture of kale and spinach and substituted leeks for onions. I also added shredded rotisserie chicken. Very easy and fast. Definitely will make it again.

Kate

04/07/2025 04:30:12 PM

I loved this recipe. I cut it in half, as it was only for my husband and myself. I had to leave out the artichokes, unfortunately, because mine seemed to be mushy. Otherwise, I followed the recipe exactly. I look forward to making it again.

linnie

08/17/2025 02:37:59 PM

Perfect dish just as it is! Adding some grilled sourdough to soak up the sauce put it over the top! BTW, Regina, Tuscan cooking essentially means, “ Tuscan cuisine heavily utilizes local products like olive oil, beans (especially cannellini), herbs, and sometimes meats.” Maybe this explanation will quell your snarky, totally rude comment.

Christina

02/28/2025 08:40:52 PM

Wow, what a delicious blend of flavors!!!! Used spinach and made as written...perfection! Made a great side to breaded chicken cutlets. The whole family L0VED it.

Chris

02/16/2025 03:20:43 PM

This is delicious! The seasonings are just right as it is written (I was skeptical about the amount of fresh oregano called for, and didn't add it all at once, but 1 T. was perfect). I cooked the dish too long, so the beans started to break down, but will adjust that the next time I prepare this. Very good!

sanzoe

03/08/2025 08:51:06 PM

This was fabulous! I make a pasta dish that is similar but it was awesome to have it with the beans and some crusty bread. I followed the directions but added a couple of tablespoons of sun dried tomato pesto that i needed to use up. This will be made again soon!

OrangeGyro8531

02/24/2025 01:50:24 AM

Delicious! Used oatmilk with cornstarch to thicken. Very Good

PuffyHen7963

09/01/2025 04:15:31 PM

This dish was delicious. I did add sliced chicken breast for more protein and a filler.

stitchwitchjd

04/15/2025 10:36:17 PM

Made this, used less crushed red pepper because the hub doesn’t care for hot or spicy, but the sun dried tomatoes made it delicious & will definitely make this again!!

tds0086

09/24/2025 10:20:49 PM

I do not like to cook but want nutritious meals so any easy recipe that fits that bill is right up my alley. This one took less than 30 minutes to prepare and it is delicious. I will make this again and serve it with fresh bread and a salad.

Lin

09/06/2025 03:30:48 PM

Easy and tasty!

Susie Cue

08/25/2025 08:52:48 PM

Delicious!!!! Added pasta and left out the artichokes and it was gone in a flash!!!

Susan

08/25/2025 07:30:09 PM

I followed the recipe and it came out tasty! I threw in some cooked sausages I had for the meat lover in the family. If you are not a big fan of red pepper flakes, you can cut down on the 1/2 tsp, or eliminate them.

stitchwitchjd

04/15/2025 10:36:17 PM

Made this, used less crushed red pepper because the hub doesn’t care for hot or spicy, but the sun dried tomatoes made it delicious & will definitely make this again!!

gwill120

03/29/2025 11:06:24 PM

Made it as described. Fantastic! Only thing I'll do differently next time is make more.

Mike from Clarkston

03/21/2025 12:08:02 AM

It is delicious! We had it as our main dish, so it came to 3 servings, which is perfect for us. Next time I’ll reduce the red pepper to cut the spice a little and it is going into the regular rotation.

lucron

02/26/2025 01:33:22 AM

Amazing!!!

Kelly Hall

01/31/2025 12:28:45 PM

Made it in no time, and it was delicious.

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