The Vegetarian “Marry Me” White Bean Skillet is a flavorful dish featuring sautéed garlic, onion, and spinach, combined with white beans and diced tomatoes.
Seasoned with herbs and spices, it’s cooked until creamy. Serve topped with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy as a hearty, comforting meal for any occasion.
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
A creamy, plant-based twist on the viral classic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Shallots, finely chopped
- ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 4 cloves of Garlic, minced (about 1½ tbsp)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ cup Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 10 oz Baby spinach (two 5-oz bags)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (divided)
- 1 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat; crusty whole-wheat bread for serving.
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes until the shallots have softened and the tomatoes are fragrant.
2. Season and Deglaze
Stir in the minced garlic and salt. Cook for just 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic (be careful not to burn it). Pour in the white wine and increase the heat to medium-high. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Wilt the Greens
Add the baby spinach to the skillet in batches. Stir constantly until the leaves begin to wilt (about 2 minutes).
4. Simmer the Beans
Stir in the rinsed beans and vegetable broth. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the beans are heated through and the liquid has slightly thickened.
5. Create the “Marry Me” Sauce
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/3 cup of the Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a silky, golden sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and the fresh basil over the top. If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 9g
- Vitamin A: 110% DV (from the spinach)
Pro Tip: For an even creamier texture, take a fork and mash about 1/4 cup of the beans directly into the sauce before adding the cream. This releases natural starches that make the sauce extra thick.