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Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet Recipe

5 from 115 reviews

This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a quick, nourishing meal. Featuring tender cannellini beans, vibrant spinach, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this recipe layers savory sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired skillet. It can be easily customized with vegan ingredients and offers a beautiful balance of textures and rich, warm flavors suitable for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Liquids & Cream

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option

Finishing

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (optional, omit for vegan)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even caramelization. This step builds the foundational savory sweetness for the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly and reducing heat if necessary to avoid burning the garlic. This infuses the oil with fragrant notes and a subtle spicy warmth.
  3. Incorporate Beans and Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and the sun-dried tomatoes to soften slightly, melding their intense flavor into the skillet.
  4. Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach in batches, stirring continuously to allow it to wilt evenly. Continue adding spinach until it’s all wilted and bright green, ensuring the greens retain tenderness without overcooking.
  5. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan). Stir to combine and bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  6. Stir in Parmesan (Optional): Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy finish. Skip this step or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste one final time and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for color and freshness. Enjoy immediately for the best creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor or substitute with avocado or coconut oil for variations.
  • Fresh garlic is preferred for robust aroma; avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
  • Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium and improves flavor.
  • For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped with roasted red peppers but will alter flavor intensity.
  • Use low-sodium broth to maintain control over saltiness and customize seasoning at the end.
  • Do not overcook spinach to retain color and texture; it wilts quickly.
  • This skillet is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Keywords: white bean skillet, spinach skillet, creamy white bean recipe, quick vegetarian dinner, sun-dried tomato recipe, one pan skillet, Mediterranean vegetarian