Name: Creamy Tuscan White Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided; 4 cloves garlic finely chopped; 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt divided; 4 cups spinach about 4.25 oz; 2 (14.5 oz) cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 oz Parmesan finely shredded, about 1/2 cup; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced

01

Overview

Prep10 min

Cook20 min

Total30 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oildivided4 cloves garlicfinely chopped2 cups cherry tomatoeshalved1 1/2 tsp kosher saltdivided4 cups spinachabout 4.25 oz2 (14.5 oz) cans cannellini beansdrained and rinsed1 cup heavy cream1 oz Parmesanfinely shredded, about 1/2 cup1/2 cup fresh basil leavesthinly sliced

03

Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon

04

Method

01

Saute garlic and tomatoes

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and cook, tossing, until they soften and release their juices, 3 to 4 minutes.

02

Simmer the beans in cream

Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the cannellini beans, heavy cream, Parmesan, the remaining salt, and 1/4 cup water. Increase the heat to high to boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens, 8 to 12 minutes.

03

Fold in basil

Fold the sliced basil into the beans, taste and adjust the salt, and top with more basil. Serve with toasted bread.

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Tips

NoteThe sauce thickens as it cools, so pull it off the heat while still a little loose.

NoteFor a lighter bowl, swap half-and-half or a plant-based cream for the heavy cream.

NoteServe with crusty bread to mop up every bit of the sauce.

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Nutrition

NoteNutrition varies by ingredient brands and serving size.

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Storage

RefrigeratorCool and keep in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.

Best freshTastes best the day it is made, while the sauce is still silky and the basil is bright.

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Frequently asked

What beans should I use?+

Cannellini beans are classic; Great Northern or butter beans also work.

Can I make it dairy-free?+

Yes — use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan, or omit the cheese.

Why is my sauce thin?+

Let it simmer a few more minutes; it thickens as it cooks and again as it cools.

Creamy Tuscan White Beans

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment