Creamy Skillet White Beans with Greens and Parmesan Recipe
This creamy skillet white beans recipe features tender cannellini beans cooked with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and flavorful greens, all enriched with a touch of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish makes a comforting and nutritious meal or side that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Beans and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup sliced shallot or yellow onion
- 3 cups cannellini beans (or 2 15-ounce cans, drained)
- 2 garlic cloves (grated or finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or thyme, oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or creme fraiche)
Greens and Cheese
- 3 cups torn leafy greens (such as kale or spinach)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: Heat the olive oil in a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots or yellow onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
- Add Beans and Aromatics: Stir in the cannellini beans, grated garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Greens and Finish: Reduce the heat to low, add the torn leafy greens to the skillet, and stir them into the creamy bean mixture. Continue cooking until the greens turn a bright green color and begin to wilt, then remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it in to melt and combine.
- Serve Warm: Serve the creamy white beans warm as a hearty main dish, a flavorful side, or spooned over pasta for a satisfying carb-rich meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach, chard, or other leafy greens based on preference or availability.
- Use vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan or use plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to your spice tolerance—omit for a milder dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
