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Creamy Spinach White Bean Skillet Recipe

Creamy Spinach White Bean Skillet Recipe

4.9 from 30 reviews

This Creamy Spinach White Bean Skillet is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal featuring tender spinach, creamy white beans, and a flavorful sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a hearty side.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Add Beans and Spinach: Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans, distributing them evenly in the skillet. Gradually add the fresh spinach in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding more, to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth followed by the heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir in the smoked paprika along with salt and black pepper to your taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s heated through and becomes creamy.
  4. Finish with Cheese: If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated, enhancing the richness of the sauce.
  5. Serve: Transfer the creamy spinach and white bean mixture onto plates or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Best enjoyed warm with crusty bread or as a side dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan.
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan option, or chicken broth for added flavor if not vegan.
  • Fresh spinach is preferred for the best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained well.
  • Adjust seasoning such as smoked paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spinach skillet, white bean recipe, easy vegetarian dinner, one-pan meal, healthy spinach dish