Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet: A Comforting Vegetarian Delight
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet: A Comforting Vegetarian Delight
If you're looking for a dish that's hearty, flavorful, and bursting with Italian-inspired goodness, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is the answer. It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe that combines tender cannellini beans, tangy artichoke hearts, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a comforting main dish or an elegant side, it’s a versatile recipe that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce combines heavy cream, Parmesan, and vegetable broth for a luscious texture.
- Packed with Flavor: A medley of oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper adds bold and vibrant notes.
- Nutritious: Loaded with beans, kale, and artichokes, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
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) + extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 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
How to Make It
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients
Add the cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
3. Make the Sauce
Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Greens
Reduce the heat to low and add the torn kale or spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the greens begin to soften and meld with the sauce.
5. Finish with Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce. Garnish with additional fresh oregano if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Tuscan white bean skillet can be served on its own as a vegetarian main dish or paired with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Pasta or Rice: Serve it over a bed of your favorite pasta or fluffy rice for a heartier meal.
- Grilled Protein: Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a non-vegetarian option.
Pro Tips
- Substitute Greens: Use Swiss chard or baby spinach if kale isn’t your favorite.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, offering a luxurious balance of creaminess and bold Mediterranean flavors. Try it tonight and savor the magic of this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish!