Marry Me White Bean Spinach Skillet

Marry Me White Bean Spinach Skillet is the cozy, creamy one-pan dinner that tastes like comfort and elegance in every bite. At first, tender cannellini beans simmer gently in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Then, fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the mixture, adding color, balance, and freshness. Meanwhile, crispy bacon brings irresistible savory depth, making every spoonful satisfying and bold.

Because everything cooks in one skillet, this recipe feels effortless yet impressive. In fact, creamy bean dishes have roots in rustic Italian kitchens, where simple ingredients create unforgettable flavor. However, this modern version leans into indulgence while still staying approachable for busy weeknights.

Whether served with crusty bread, spooned over pasta, or enjoyed on its own, this skillet delivers big flavor with minimal effort. As a result, it’s perfect for cooking enthusiasts who love rich textures, comforting ingredients, and easy gourmet-style meals at home.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 slices bacon, diced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Crisp the bacon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving flavorful drippings in the skillet.

2. Sauté the aromatics and tomatoes:
Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.

3. Build the creamy sauce:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Slowly add heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer — not a boil — to keep the sauce silky.

4. Add beans and spinach:
Fold in cannellini beans and allow them to warm through. Lightly mash a few beans to naturally thicken the sauce. Gradually add spinach, stirring until wilted and tender.

5. Finish and serve:
Return crispy bacon to the skillet. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Balance the Tang: Since sun-dried tomatoes add natural acidity, taste before adding extra salt. Their concentrated flavor enhances the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Creamy Texture Control: Keep heat moderate while simmering. High heat may cause the dairy to separate, whereas gentle heat creates a luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Elevate the Finish: For extra depth, drizzle a small spoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil on top before serving. It intensifies flavor and enhances presentation.