Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet: Delicious Weeknight Dinner

If you love comforting, flavorful dishes that come together quickly, you’re going to adore this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is totally fuss-free — perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, earthy artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes all mingle beautifully with cannellini beans for a hearty, satisfying bite.

I absolutely love how this dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness, thanks to the spinach and fresh basil at the end. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for the comforting creaminess and the subtle herb notes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, you’ll find that this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe is a keeper for your recipe rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Hearty & Comforting: Creamy and full of flavor that warms you up.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples with fresh touches to keep it simple.
Customizable: Adapt easily for vegan or extra creamy versions.

A white bowl filled with a warm stew, showing three main layers: a thick orange tomato-based broth with white beans and small pieces of cooked meat forms the bottom layer, fresh dark green spinach leaves are scattered throughout the stew as the second layer, and three whole fresh basil leaves along with a dollop of white cream sprinkled with black pepper sit on top. A slice of light brown bread rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurry gray pot with dried flowers and an orange cup shaped like a lemon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works in harmony to create rich layers of flavor and creaminess, with fresh herbs and greens that brighten the skillet. I always recommend quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the best results!

Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor.
White onion: Adds sweetness and a savory base when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to pack that garlicky punch.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their tangy, concentrated flavor elevates the dish beautifully.
Jarred artichokes: Provides earthiness and a tender, satisfying bite.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, protein-rich beans that soak up all the flavors.
Tomato paste: Boosts umami and thickens the sauce nicely.
Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky texture I absolutely love.
Vegetable stock: Keeps the sauce flavorful without overpowering.
Spinach: Adds fresh color and a gentle bitterness to balance richness.
Hard cheese: I use Parmesan for a nutty, salty kick.
Fresh basil leaves: Light and fragrant, adding freshness when sprinkled last.
Dried oregano and rosemary: Classic Tuscan herbs that give the dish its signature aroma.
Salt and pepper: To taste – don’t be shy here, seasoning is key!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe is so flexible—you can easily tweak it to your dietary needs or whatever you have on hand. I’ve swapped cream for coconut milk for a vegan twist, and it still tastes rich and decadent.

Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the cheese or use nutritional yeast—this keeps it creamy without dairy.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of soft cheese like mascarpone or cream cheese at the end for an indulgent treat.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or sausage if you want to turn this into a meatier meal.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent—this builds the flavor foundation. Then toss in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped artichokes, stirring for another 2-3 minutes so the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses the oil nicely.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste until it’s evenly combined with the other ingredients. Then add the cannellini beans and pour in the vegetable stock along with dried oregano and rosemary. Give it a good stir, reduce the heat slightly, and let it simmer gently so the sauce thickens and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce deepen in color and get wonderfully rich.

Step 3: Add Cream and Spinach

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt down naturally—this should take around 4-5 minutes. This step is where the dish earns its signature creamy texture and vibrant color. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the spinach; you want it tender but still bright green.

Step 4: Finish and Season

Grate the hard cheese right into the skillet and stir. Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, sprinkle the shredded fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving. The basil adds a lovely fresh aroma that rounds out the dish perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Don’t Rush the Onion: Cooking your onion slowly until soft really boosts the flavor base—don’t skip or speed through this.
Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They make all the difference—homemade or jarred packed in oil work best.
Simmer Gently: Keep heat low when simmering to avoid curdling the cream and to develop deeper flavors.
Fresh Basil Last: Add basil right before serving to preserve its brightness and fragrance.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

A round blue pot filled with a creamy bean dish with four layers visible: a thick light orange creamy base mixed with white beans, finely chopped tomatoes, and green spinach leaves spread evenly throughout. On top, several whole fresh basil leaves add a deep green color, with a generous dollop of white cream sprinkled with black pepper placed slightly off-center. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth nearby, two slices of light brown bread on a wooden board to the side, and a dark brown wooden spoon next to the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love garnishing this skillet with a few more fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan—it adds a gorgeous pop of color and extra umami to each serving. A drizzle of good olive oil on top is another simple finish that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic focaccia to soak up all that amazing sauce. For a lighter meal, serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps everything balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I like serving this skillet in individual cast iron pans or pretty ceramic dishes—makes it feel rustic and special. Garnished with basil and a lemon wedge on the side, it’s an instant wow at the table. You can even top it with toasted pine nuts for crunch if you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors marry even better overnight. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well too! I portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the texture and flavors hold up nicely, though the spinach might be a bit softer after freezing.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if it seems too thick. Microwaving works too, but stovetop reheating keeps the cream silky and prevents separation.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding. Just be sure they’re fully cooked because dried beans require much longer cooking times than canned. Using dried beans brings a lovely texture but adds prep time.
Is there a way to make this dish lower in fat?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or use a plant-based milk thickened with a small amount of flour or cornstarch. Reducing or omitting the added cheese also cuts fat. Just note the texture and richness will be slightly different.
Can I prepare this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the full recipe a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove just before serving. Flavors often improve after resting, making it a great make-ahead dish.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes sautéed until caramelized can add a similar sweet, tangy boost. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it will keep the dish vibrant and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe has truly earned a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet wholesome, simple but packed with flavor—and it always comes together quickly enough to brighten a busy day. If you’re looking for comforting, creamy, and satisfying meals that won’t weigh you down, give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again, just like I do!

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Variations