Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet. This dish captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, blending creamy white beans with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs in a rich, flavorful sauce. It's a simple yet luxurious meal that brings the rustic charm and warmth of Tuscany to your dinner table. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you crave a touch of Italian elegance, this skillet is sure to satisfy both your palate and soul.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Number of Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- To enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet before adding the vegetable broth.
- The dish can be thickened further by mashing some of the beans before adding the cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but they need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before using in this recipe.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if necessary.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients, such as broth and cream, are gluten-free.
Let the Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet transport you to the rolling hills and vibrant fields of Tuscany with every spoonful. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience—a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients brought together with love and care. Here's to creating memorable moments around the dinner table, one rustic Italian feast at a time.