Spinach and white beans come together in this easy and wholesome recipe that’s perfect for fast weeknight meals or relaxed weekend lunches. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and nutritious. Everything cooks in one pan, making it a breeze from start to finish.
Using simple, everyday ingredients, this dish brings together leafy greens and protein-rich beans in a creamy, garlicky broth with a bright citrus finish. Whether you serve it as a light main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe is a wonderful go-to for anyone looking for real food that’s quick to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a few clear reasons why this dish earns a spot in your regular rotation. First, it’s incredibly fast to make. With a 10-minute prep time and just 15 minutes of cooking, dinner is on the table in no time.
Second, it’s flavorful without being complicated. The combination of garlic, olive oil, broth, and lemon juice adds depth and brightness to the white beans and spinach, while a splash of cream or coconut milk brings everything together with a velvety finish.
Finally, it’s flexible. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal, serve it with crusty bread or rice, or pair it with your favorite protein. It’s also easy to adjust for dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, contributing to the flavor, texture, or overall balance of the dish.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Spinach softens quickly in the pan and adds color, fiber, and nutrients like iron and vitamin K.
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
Cannellini or great northern beans work beautifully here. They’re creamy, mild, and soak up the flavors in the pan.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and start building the flavor base.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic brings savory richness and fragrance to the dish, forming the backbone of its flavor.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a subtle kick of heat. You can adjust or skip this based on your taste.
½ cup vegetable broth
This forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture and a savory depth that blends the ingredients.
¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
Cream adds a smooth texture and richness. Coconut milk makes the dish dairy-free while keeping it creamy.
Salt and black pepper to taste
These basic seasonings help highlight all the other ingredients.
Juice of ½ lemon
A splash of lemon juice at the end balances the richness and brightens the overall flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
A little fresh parsley adds a finishing touch of color and freshness.
How to Make Spinach and White Beans
This recipe follows a straightforward process that builds flavor as you go. First, the garlic is cooked in olive oil, then the spinach is quickly wilted. The beans are added and gently simmered in broth to absorb flavor. Finally, cream and lemon juice are stirred in, and the dish is finished with fresh herbs.
It’s a great option when you want something that feels hearty but isn’t heavy. The result is a flavorful, balanced dish that tastes much more complex than the simple ingredients suggest.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about a minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Step 2: Cook the spinach
Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring often, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
Step 3: Simmer beans and broth
Stir in the white beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add cream and seasoning
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Let it warm through for another two to three minutes.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy it warm as a light main or a hearty side.
Helpful Tips
For the best texture, don’t overcook the spinach. It only needs a couple of minutes to soften.
Use full-fat coconut milk if you want a creamy vegan version without dairy. It offers a rich consistency that’s similar to cream.
To make the meal more filling, serve it over cooked grains like rice or quinoa.
Use a non-stick or stainless-steel skillet to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
If you prefer a soupier consistency, add a little extra broth during the simmering step.
Details
Flavor: Mildly savory with creamy notes and a bright lemon finish
Texture: Smooth beans and soft spinach in a lightly creamy sauce
Occasion: Quick weeknight dinner, lunch, or a meatless meal option
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Notes
This recipe is easy to adapt to what you have on hand. Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a firmer green. You can also use navy beans or butter beans if those are available.
If you’re watching calories or fat, reduce the amount of cream or use a light, unsweetened plant-based milk instead.
For added protein, top the dish with a soft-boiled egg or serve alongside grilled tofu or tempeh.
Sprinkle with a bit of grated parmesan cheese for an extra savory finish, or add nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
The dish is best eaten fresh, but it holds up well for leftovers too.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 5 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spinach and white beans be cooked together without becoming mushy?
Yes. The key is to add the beans after the spinach has wilted and cook them gently so they maintain their texture.
What type of white beans work best with spinach?
Cannellini beans are soft and creamy, making them a great match. Great northern beans are slightly firmer but also work well.
Is spinach and white beans a main dish or a side?
It’s very versatile. You can serve it on its own as a light meal or pair it with another dish as a hearty side.
How do you add more flavor to spinach and white beans?
Use a rich vegetable broth, fresh garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Adding herbs like thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika can deepen the flavor even more.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and stir in a small splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of spinach and cream can change after thawing.
Print
Spinach and White Beans | A Quick, Delicious Recipe!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and delicious one-skillet recipe using spinach and white beans. Creamy, healthy, and ready in just 25 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
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
3. Stir in the white beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Serve as a main dish or a side with bread, rice, or grilled proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Conclusion
Spinach and white beans is a simple yet deeply satisfying recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and easy to customize for your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with someone else, this dish brings comfort and goodness to the table in every bite. Try it soon and enjoy how delicious simple ingredients can be when combined with care.