Easy White Bean Skillet

This Easy White Bean Skillet is your weeknight dinner solution. Creamy white beans are loaded with plant protein and are joined by a melody of flavors: onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red peppers. Tomato paste becomes slightly caramelized, deepening its flavor, while antioxidant-rich whole tomatoes are hand-crushed for a bold, rustic sauce. Fresh spinach not only adds a pop of color but also contributes its immune-boosting nutrients to this skillet. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds a briny finishing touch that brings the whole dish together. Keep reading for our expert tips, including ingredient substitutions you can make. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• For a creamier texture, mash a few beans into the sauce before adding the spinach. If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra red pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika. For a heartier version, include cooked sausage or pancetta.
• To enhance the flavor, toast the tomato paste first; this will deepen its taste and eliminate any tinny flavors. Also, don’t forget to toast the bread—it adds a nice crunch against the soft beans.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite fresh herbs just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. 
• To keep this recipe vegetarian, check the cheese labels to ensure that the Parmesan does not contain animal rennet; opt for one made with plant-based rennet or enzymes instead.

Nutrition Notes

• White beans are a great source of plant protein. They also provide filling fiber, which is great for gut and heart health, along with antioxidants and nutrients, like potassium, magnesium and iron. 
• Spinach is a leafy green that adds more iron to this dish. It’s also a source of vitamins A and C, necessary for a healthy immune system, and vitamin K for strong bones. The plant compounds in spinach have been linked with a healthier gut microbiome and lower inflammation throughout the body.
• Tomatoes bring their vitamin C to this dish, which will help your body absorb the iron in the beans and spinach. The powerful antioxidants in spinach have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. 
• Onion not only adds its classic flavor to this skillet, but yellow onion also contributes more vitamin C. Like tomatoes, eating onions regularly has been linked with a healthier heart and reduced cancer risk.