Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet Simple and Healthy

by Ava on February 12, 2025

Looking for a quick and healthy meal? My Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet is packed with flavor and nutrients. This one-pan dish comes together in minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that satisfies and nourishes. Join me as I share the secret to this effortless recipe that will make healthy eating easy and fun!

$- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Optional: Crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for garnish If you can't find fresh spinach, use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. If you want a different bean, chickpeas work great too. You can swap cherry tomatoes for diced regular tomatoes. For the onion, shallots can add a nice touch, too. If you're out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even butter for richness. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs will still give good flavor. Each serving of this dish is healthy and balanced. You'll get about: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 8g - Fat: 8g - Sugars: 3g This meal offers a good source of protein and fiber while being low in fat. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a simple and healthy meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped red onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to soften and turn a bit translucent. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes. You should smell the garlic's sweet aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Now, it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them gently into the onion and garlic mix. Let these cook for about 5 minutes. You will notice the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices. This step adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. After the tomatoes have cooked down, it’s time for the white beans. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together well, allowing the flavors to mingle. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. For a bright finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. Mix well and prepare to serve. To boost the taste, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can add a bright note. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. If you like, try adding smoked paprika for a unique twist. Always taste as you cook to find your perfect blend. Cooking times can vary based on your stove. Watch the onions closely; they should soften but not brown. When cooking tomatoes, keep stirring to prevent sticking. If you want softer beans, extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Just ensure the spinach wilts but stays vibrant green. This will keep the dish fresh and appealing. Serve this dish warm for the best flavor. It's great on its own or with crusty bread. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. For a fancy touch, sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan on top. A side salad of mixed greens complements it nicely. Enjoy this healthy meal with family or friends! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety in texture and taste; chickpeas or black beans work well too. Perfectly Sautéed Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it can burn quickly and turn bitter, so stir frequently and cook until fragrant. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving for added heat and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based option. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. It keeps the dish light and fresh while being fully plant-based. Feel free to swap the white beans for any beans you like. Black beans or chickpeas work great. You can also change the spinach to kale or Swiss chard. These greens add a different taste and texture. Want to boost the protein? Try adding chicken or sausage. Slice cooked chicken into strips and mix it in with the beans. If you prefer sausage, use your favorite kind. Just cook it first, then add it to the skillet. This helps create a heartier meal. Store your Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. It will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just take it out and check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, don't eat it! You can freeze this dish for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavors intact. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it on low. Stir occasionally until hot. If using the microwave, cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy your meal warm! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach has a softer texture. This may change the dish's look a bit. However, it still works well. You can serve this skillet with rice or quinoa. A crusty bread also pairs nicely. It makes a great side for grilled chicken or fish. Try a simple salad for a fresh touch. The skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. You may see some water form, but it's still good. Just stir it before reheating. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing your meal. Tips helped enhance flavor and guide serving options. We explored variations, including vegan swaps and protein additions. Finally, we shared storage info for leftovers. Now, you can make this dish with ease. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and protein-rich white beans, it’s a wholesome meal.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it customizable.
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and spinach make this dish visually appealing.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 small red onion, finely chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– Optional: Crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for garnish

Substitutions for Key Ingredients

If you can’t find fresh spinach, use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. If you want a different bean, chickpeas work great too. You can swap cherry tomatoes for diced regular tomatoes. For the onion, shallots can add a nice touch, too. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even butter for richness. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs will still give good flavor.

Nutritional Information per Serving

Each serving of this dish is healthy and balanced. You’ll get about:

– Calories: 220

– Protein: 10g

– Carbohydrates: 30g

– Fiber: 8g

– Fat: 8g

– Sugars: 3g

This meal offers a good source of protein and fiber while being low in fat. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a simple and healthy meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base (Onion and Garlic)

Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped red onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to soften and turn a bit translucent. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes. You should smell the garlic’s sweet aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Cooking the Cherry Tomatoes

Now, it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them gently into the onion and garlic mix. Let these cook for about 5 minutes. You will notice the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices. This step adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Adding White Beans and Spinach

After the tomatoes have cooked down, it’s time for the white beans. Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together well, allowing the flavors to mingle. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, toss in the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. For a bright finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish. Mix well and prepare to serve.

Tips & Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor

To boost the taste, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can add a bright note. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. If you like, try adding smoked paprika for a unique twist. Always taste as you cook to find your perfect blend.

Adjusting Cooking Times

Cooking times can vary based on your stove. Watch the onions closely; they should soften but not brown. When cooking tomatoes, keep stirring to prevent sticking. If you want softer beans, extend the cooking time by a few minutes. Just ensure the spinach wilts but stays vibrant green. This will keep the dish fresh and appealing.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet

Serve this dish warm for the best flavor. It’s great on its own or with crusty bread. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein. For a fancy touch, sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan on top. A side salad of mixed greens complements it nicely. Enjoy this healthy meal with family or friends!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for variety in texture and taste; chickpeas or black beans work well too.
Perfectly Sautéed Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it can burn quickly and turn bitter, so stir frequently and cook until fragrant.
Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving for added heat and flavor.

Variations

Vegan Adaptations

You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based option. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. It keeps the dish light and fresh while being fully plant-based.

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to swap the white beans for any beans you like. Black beans or chickpeas work great. You can also change the spinach to kale or Swiss chard. These greens add a different taste and texture.

Adding Proteins

Want to boost the protein? Try adding chicken or sausage. Slice cooked chicken into strips and mix it in with the beans. If you prefer sausage, use your favorite kind. Just cook it first, then add it to the skillet. This helps create a heartier meal.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

Store your Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. It will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, don’t eat it!

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this dish for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavors intact.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it on low. Stir occasionally until hot. If using the microwave, cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts of one to two minutes. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy your meal warm!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach has a softer texture. This may change the dish’s look a bit. However, it still works well.

What can I serve with the Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet?

You can serve this skillet with rice or quinoa. A crusty bread also pairs nicely. It makes a great side for grilled chicken or fish. Try a simple salad for a fresh touch.

How long does it last in the fridge?

The skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. You may see some water form, but it’s still good. Just stir it before reheating.

This blog post covered all you need to know about making a Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing your meal. Tips helped enhance flavor and guide serving options. We explored variations, including vegan swaps and protein additions. Finally, we shared storage info for leftovers.

Now, you can make this dish with ease. Enjoy your cooking and the tasty result

Tomato Spinach White Bean Skillet

A quick and healthy skillet dish featuring fresh spinach, white beans, and cherry tomatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 can white beans (cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
optional crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and allow them to cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices.
Add the drained white beans and the mixed dried Italian herbs to the skillet. Stir the mixture well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Toss in the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Finish off the dish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the skillet for a burst of brightness. Mix well to incorporate.
Serve hot, topping with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan if desired for added richness.

Notes

Optional to add crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for garnish.

Keyword healthy, skillet, vegetarian