Description
This creamy white bean skillet recipe combines tender cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and aromatic leeks with tangy goat cheese for a rich, comforting vegetarian dish baked to perfection in the oven. It’s easy to prepare and makes a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 leeks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 4 cups baby spinach, chopped
Beans & Broth
- 2 x 14-ounce cans white cannellini beans, drained (about 3 cups cooked beans)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Splash of vegetable broth (optional)
Herbs & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Cheese
- 6 ounces goat cheese (or substitute creamy vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or braiser, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped leeks and minced garlic, sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Once done, turn off the heat.
- Combine all ingredients: Stir in the drained white beans, chopped artichoke hearts, fresh thyme, lemon zest, broth, chopped spinach, black pepper, and salt. Add half of the goat cheese into the mixture, stirring gently. Evenly distribute the remaining goat cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until everything is warmed through. If desired, broil for a few minutes at the end to achieve a browned, golden top on the goat cheese. To enhance creaminess, you can stir in a bit of warm vegetable broth or bean water before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm with optional lemon wedges and Aleppo flakes to add a bright and spicy kick if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cannellini beans with great Northern beans, navy beans, butter beans, corona beans, or lima beans if preferred.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegan-friendly, or chicken broth if you prefer.
- For a vegan version, replace goat cheese with a creamy vegan cheese alternative.
- Adjust salt carefully depending on the salt content of your broth and canned beans.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a deliciously browned cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean