Description
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet is a comforting and vibrant one-pan dish featuring tender white beans, aromatic herbs, crispy smoked turkey bacon, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and melty shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This simple yet flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of creaminess and smokiness, making it an ideal healthy meal for weeknights or cozy weekends with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked or canned white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Aromatics & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Creamy & Flavor Enhancers
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy to build a smoky flavor base.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes, releasing rich aromas and vibrant flavors into the pan.
- Incorporate White Beans and Spinach: Add rinsed white beans followed by fresh spinach leaves. Stir frequently to wilt the spinach evenly and combine all ingredients, letting the beans add creaminess and the spinach contribute freshness.
- Mix in Creamy Elements: Pour in apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top. Stir gently as the cheese melts, creating the signature creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the skillet to simmer for a few minutes so flavors meld perfectly. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned white beans; if canned, rinse well to reduce sodium.
- Do not rush sautéing; caramelize onions and smoked turkey bacon thoroughly for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh basil and thyme for authentic Tuscan aroma instead of dried herbs.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) slowly and off direct heat to maintain creaminess.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar gradually to balance acidity perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tuscan white bean skillet, creamy white bean recipe, smoked turkey bacon skillet, one-pan dinner, healthy bean skillet, vegetarian friendly