Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Skillet Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Skillet is a simple, hearty vegetarian dinner that combines tender mushrooms and creamy white beans in a flavorful sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

A close-up of a creamy dish in a black pan filled with three main layers: a beige colored thick sauce at the base, plenty of light brown to tan white beans spread evenly throughout, and soft cooked mushroom slices with a darker brown edge scattered on top. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled all over adding color contrast, with a small pile of sun-dried tomatoes centrally placed for a vibrant red accent. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and two pieces of toasted bread are placed near the pan's edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz (280g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: crusty bread, pasta, or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the sliced mushrooms. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
  4. Step 4: Add the white beans and stir to combine. Pour in the broth and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cream and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add Parmesan if using and stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
  7. Step 7: Serve as-is or spoon over crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

Tips & Variations

  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Try different mushroom varieties like shiitake or portobello for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herb taste.
  • Serve with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a skillet filled with a creamy dish made from white beans and sliced mushrooms in a thick light brown sauce. The top layer contains whole white beans mixed evenly with medium-sized, cooked mushroom slices that have a slightly browned edge. Fresh green rosemary sprigs and small chopped green herbs are scattered across the surface for color contrast, along with a light sprinkle of red chili flakes. To the right edge of the skillet, a single toasted slice of bread with a golden crust and soft white inside leans against the side. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?

Fresh mushrooms are preferred for texture and flavor, but canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch. Drain them well and reduce the cooking time slightly.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Yes, by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skipping the Parmesan, this recipe can easily be made vegan.

Print
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Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Skillet Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipe


  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and easy-to-make vegetarian skillet dish featuring creamy white beans and sautéed mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over crusty bread, pasta, or rice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz (280g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional for Serving

  • Crusty bread
  • Pasta
  • Rice

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
  4. Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed white beans. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  5. Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  6. Add Parmesan (Optional): If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined into the sauce.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  8. Serve: Serve the creamy white bean and mushroom mixture as-is or spoon over crusty bread, cooked pasta, or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to make this dish dairy-free.
  • For added protein, try stirring in some cooked chicken or turkey (if not vegetarian).
  • Use any variety of mushrooms you prefer for different flavor profiles.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for a vegan version if coconut cream is used.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: white bean, mushroom, creamy skillet, vegetarian dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, meatless dinner

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