I’ve always loved creating simple, wholesome meals that are packed with flavor and warmth. This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is one of those recipes that instantly feels like home. The first time I made it, the creamy sauce, tender white beans, and the subtle richness from turkey bacon and chicken ham had me hooked immediately. Every bite is comforting yet surprisingly light, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the best of taste, convenience, and versatility. The creamy texture comes from a luscious dairy-based sauce, while the beans provide hearty, plant-based protein. The subtle smokiness from the turkey bacon and the savory notes from chicken ham complement the beans perfectly. The dish is also packed with fresh flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, giving it a vibrant taste that feels indulgent without being heavy.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it on its own, pair it with crusty bread, or even toss it with pasta for a complete meal. It’s also adaptable to your pantry: you can swap in different greens, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or add your favorite spices to create a personalized version.
This recipe is affordable, too. With simple ingredients that are easy to find, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of beans, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples ensures you get a hearty and satisfying meal without spending a fortune.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet:
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
-
1 cup chicken ham, diced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
-
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
-
2 cups fresh spinach
-
1 cup heavy cream or dairy alternative
-
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Optional: grated Parmesan or plant-based cheese for topping
This combination of ingredients ensures a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, making each bite memorable.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Creating this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is easier than it looks, and the results are always impressive. The recipe is designed to be quick and approachable while still delivering rich, comforting flavors. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil: Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm for about 1–2 minutes. The oil should shimmer slightly but not smoke. This will create the perfect base for sautéing the vegetables and proteins.
-
Cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham: Add the chopped turkey bacon and diced chicken ham to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and slightly crispy. This step infuses the oil with smoky, savory flavors that will enhance the entire dish.
-
Sauté onions and garlic: Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. This combination creates a fragrant foundation for the skillet.
-
Add the white beans: Drain and rinse the white beans before adding them to the skillet. Stir well to combine them with the turkey bacon, chicken ham, onions, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the savory flavors.
-
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which add a sweet and tangy punch, and then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step adds both color and nutrients to the dish.
-
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in one cup of heavy cream or a dairy alternative. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine everything. Simmer the mixture for 4–5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and coat all ingredients evenly.
-
Adjust flavors and consistency: Taste the skillet and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir frequently to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
-
Optional finishing touch: For extra richness and flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or a plant-based alternative over the top just before serving. Allow it to melt slightly into the warm skillet.
Quick and Easy
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the preparation requires only a single skillet, minimizing both cooking and cleanup time.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard, switch white beans for chickpeas, or add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. You can also adjust the creaminess by using half cream and half broth, depending on your preference.
Popular With Many People
Its combination of creamy texture, hearty beans, and savory proteins makes this dish a favorite with families and friends alike. Whether served as a main course or paired with a side, it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser that receives compliments every time.
Print
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet – One-Pan Vegetarian Dinner!
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering. Combining tender white beans, savory turkey bacon, and chicken ham with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, it delivers rich, creamy flavors in every bite. Quick, affordable, and versatile, this skillet is a crowd-pleaser that can be served on its own or paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or dairy alternative
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan or plant-based cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Warm for 1–2 minutes.
- Add chopped turkey bacon and diced chicken ham. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Stir in chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream. Add dried thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optional: sprinkle grated Parmesan or plant-based cheese before serving.
Notes
Can substitute greens or beans to suit preferences.
For a lighter version, use half cream and half broth.
Can be made vegetarian by omitting turkey bacon and chicken ham.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the turkey bacon and chicken ham. To maintain the savory flavor, consider adding smoked paprika, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based protein alternative.
Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture and flavor, but you can use canned or frozen spinach. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to avoid excess liquid.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, cashew cream, or any other plant-based cream. Top with dairy-free cheese if desired.
What can I serve with this skillet?
It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or even a simple green salad. Its creamy, hearty nature allows it to work as either a main dish or a side.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or thin?
Simmer slowly while stirring. If the sauce is too thick, add a little broth or water. If it’s too thin, cook a few extra minutes to reduce it.