When the day winds down and you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this Creamy Tuscan Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet feels like a gentle hug. It’s the kind of meal that sneaks up on you with its rich flavors and easy prep—no fuss, just comfort on a plate.

One evening, I was juggling too many things, distracted by a buzzing phone and half-finished laundry. I started this skillet dish almost on autopilot. The smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil pulled me back to the kitchen, and suddenly I was fully present, stirring in those tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy beans. The spinach wilted beautifully, and the Parmesan melted into the sauce just as the house quieted down. It wasn’t perfect timing or a fancy setup, but the meal was exactly what I needed—a simple, cozy moment in the middle of a hectic day.

The creamy sauce feels indulgent without being heavy, making it a comforting choice on busy nights.
It’s packed with protein and greens, so it’s satisfying and nourishing.
This skillet is straightforward to make, but don’t expect it to look fancy—it’s rustic and homey.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy twist that keeps the flavors interesting without overwhelming the dish.

If you’re a bit wary about cooking with cream, don’t worry; the sauce blends smoothly without feeling greasy. It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point.

Creamy Tuscan Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Skillet

Print Recipe

A rich and flavorful vegetarian skillet dish featuring creamy white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cannellini beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, then stir in the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.

In the kitchen, you really only need a good skillet and a wooden spoon to bring this together. It comes together quickly, so have your ingredients ready or you might get distracted like I did. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to make it extra hearty. Sometimes I toss in a handful of pine nuts for a little crunch or swap the Parmesan for Pecorino to mix up the flavor—though I haven’t fully tested those tweaks yet.

Occasionally, I sneak in kale instead of spinach, but it takes a bit longer to soften. If you want to keep it vegan, you could try a plant-based cream, though the texture might shift a bit. Just a heads-up—this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat decently if you keep an eye on the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes? You can, but they’ll need to be rehydrated first, or the texture won’t be the same.

Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, naturally gluten-free as is.

Can I make it ahead? It’s best fresh, but leftovers store well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Give this skillet a try tonight—sometimes the simplest meals bring the most comfort. Save this recipe to your collection or print it out for those nights when you want a no-fuss, creamy treat that feels like home.