Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly magical. That’s exactly what happens with this Creamy Italian White Beans recipe! It’s rich, velvety, and packed with comforting flavors that make every bite irresistible. Perfect as a hearty side dish, a light main, or even a cozy appetizer with crusty bread—trust me, you’ll want to make this on repeat.
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Italian White Beans
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Nutritious & Filling: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, spread it on toast, or enjoy it as a dip.
Cozy & Comforting: A warm, creamy dish perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients in Creamy Italian White Beans
Simple ingredients, big flavors—here’s what you’ll need:
White Beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best for their creamy texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
Garlic & Onion: The aromatic base that brings everything together.
Vegetable Broth: Enhances the flavor and creates a luscious texture.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: For that ultra-creamy finish.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick (use nutritional yeast for a vegan option).
Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: For a perfect balance of herbs and a touch of heat.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil elevates the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
Add the Beans & Broth: Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Mash for Creaminess: Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the beans while stirring. This thickens the dish and creates a luxurious texture.
Add the Cream & Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and sprinkle in Parmesan. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined.
Season & Finish: Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon into bowls, drizzle with extra olive oil, and serve with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite Italian meal.
How to Serve Creamy Italian White Beans
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and scooping.
- Over Pasta or Rice: Turns it into a heartier meal.
- As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
- Topped with Poached Eggs: A delicious brunch idea!
- As a Dip: Serve with crackers or veggie sticks for a flavorful appetizer.
Additional Tips
Make It Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and the Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Boost the Protein: Add in some sautéed mushrooms or crumbled sausage.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A1: Yes! Soak dried beans overnight, then cook until tender before proceeding with the recipe.
Q2: Can I make this without dairy?
A2: Absolutely! Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Q3: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A3: You can mix dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary as a substitute.
Q4: Can I add more veggies?
A4: Yes! Spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Q6: Can I serve this cold?
A6: Yes! It makes a delicious bean salad when chilled.
Q7: Can I use a different type of bean?
A7: Sure! Chickpeas or butter beans work well too.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Just use a larger pot to accommodate everything.
Q9: What’s the best way to make this extra creamy?
A9: Blend a portion of the beans before adding the cream.
Q10: Can I add meat to this dish?
A10: Yes! Crumbled Italian sausage or shredded chicken would be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian White Beans recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a cozy meal, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try and let me know how you enjoy it!
Print
Creamy Italian White Beans
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy white bean recipe is a delicious, budget-friendly, and dairy-free dish inspired by Italian flavors. Roasted red peppers, garlic, and herbs create a silky smooth sauce that pairs perfectly with butter beans and fresh greens. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Ingredients
- 700g butter beans (with liquid, Bold Bean Co recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 romano red peppers, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 70g spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Handful fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 200°C (fan). Place the sliced peppers and garlic in an ovenproof dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, oregano, and thyme, and roast for 20 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Transfer the roasted peppers and garlic to a blender. Add 300g of butter beans with their liquid and blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Combine everything: Heat a large pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the remaining butter beans, then stir in the creamy sauce. Cook for a few minutes, seasoning with salt to taste.
- Finish with greens: Stir in the chopped spinach and fresh basil until wilted. Sprinkle with chili flakes for extra heat.
- Serve & enjoy: Serve warm as a main dish, side, or spread on toast.
Notes
- Serving ideas: Enjoy with crusty bread, over rice, or as a dip.
- Extra flavor: Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
- Protein boost: Stir in tofu, tempeh, or vegan sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0mg