Discover the perfect harmony of tender spinach and creamy white beans in this quick and satisfying dish. With its Mediterranean-inspired flavors and heartwarming texture, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated yet comforting meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
- Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation
- Mediterranean Style: Add 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano for a bold Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra heat and depth.
- Protein-Packed: Incorporate 1 cup of diced firm tofu or 1 cup cooked chickpeas for additional protein and a heartier texture.
Cooking Notes
- Bean Consistency: For a creamier texture, mash half the white beans with a fork before adding them to the skillet, leaving the rest whole for added texture.
- Spinach Volume: Fresh spinach wilts significantly, so don’t be alarmed by the initial large volume – it reduces by about 75% when cooked.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for the same creamy consistency and rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Grain Bowl: Serve over warm brown rice, quinoa, or farro for a complete and filling vegetarian meal that’s packed with nutrients.
- Toast Companion: Spread on crusty whole-grain bread or sourdough toast for a rustic bruschetta-style appetizer or light lunch.
- Protein Pairing: Accompany with grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or baked turkey breast for a balanced dinner plate.
Tips
- Garlic Timing: Don’t let garlic brown or burn; this will create a bitter flavor. Cook just until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
- Liquid Control: If the mixture appears too thick, add vegetable broth 1 tablespoon at a time; if too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Baby spinach works best, but you can substitute with 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) – just reduce cooking time by half.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use 1 cup of frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained). Since frozen spinach is already cooked, add it after the beans and heat through for just 2-3 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- How do I store leftovers and reheat them? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or additional vegetable broth for a lighter version. The dish will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
- What other types of beans work well in this recipe? Cannellini beans, great northern beans, or Navy beans all work beautifully as substitutes for white beans. You can also use butter beans for a creamier texture or chickpeas for a heartier variation.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach and White Bean Delight proves that satisfying comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfect balance of tender greens, hearty beans, and creamy sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 20 minutes. Whether enjoyed as a light dinner or elegant side dish, it’s a versatile recipe that adapts beautifully to your dietary preferences while delivering on both nutrition and taste.
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Spinach and White Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the perfect harmony of tender spinach and creamy white beans in this quick and satisfying dish. With its Mediterranean-inspired flavors and heartwarming texture, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated yet comforting meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
- Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This dish makes an excellent side with grilled chicken or fish, or serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete vegetarian meal. The creamy sauce can be made lighter by using all vegetable broth instead of cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: spinach, white beans, vegetarian, quick recipe, healthy