Craving comfort food but only have a can of white beans staring back at you? Well, don’t underestimate the power of these little pantry heroes. White beans are like the secret weapon of cozy meals – they’re cheap, filling, and can somehow turn into just about anything you’re craving. Whether you’re looking for a hearty soup, a saucy skillet, or even a grown-up take on beans on toast, these recipes do it all.

A close-up shot of a white skillet filled with a creamy tomato sauce with white beans, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. The skillet is rimmed with black, and there are two slices of toasted bread on the top of the sauce.
Photo credit: Vegan Huggs.
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Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This tomato and white bean dish comes together quickly in a pressure cooker, making it the perfect comfort food to spoon over toasted sourdough bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans in a white bowl with red pepper flakes on the side.
Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Escarole and white beans make up this classic Italian dish, creating a simple and hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy carrot soup with fennel and white beans in a blue and white bowl.
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This carrot soup brings in a creamy texture from white beans and fresh fennel, making it light enough for spring while still being filling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Escarole Soup

Escarole soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Featuring escarole, white beans, sausage, and pasta, this Italian-inspired soup is a hearty, garlicky meal that makes weeknights feel easier.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These quesadillas are packed with mashed white beans, kale, and melted cheddar, topped off with a tangy BBQ sauce for a comforting, meat-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Roasted garlic white bean dip in a metal dish with pita chips.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy white bean dip is elevated with roasted garlic and cottage cheese, adding a protein boost to every scoop – great for snacking or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

White Bean Hummus With Cranberries

White Bean Hummus With Cranberries. Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

White bean hummus gets a holiday twist with cranberries, garlic, rosemary oil, and crunchy pecans, making it a festive dip that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Hummus With Cranberries

Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This slow cooker Italian-inspired soup brings together white beans, pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy sun-dried tomato base, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

Sautéed Italian White Beans with Kale and Tomatoes

Sautéed Italian White Beans with Kale and Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cooking with Wine.

White beans, kale, and tomatoes create a versatile dish that’s comforting enough to stand alone or pair with other meals, bringing Tuscan flavors to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Italian White Beans with Kale and Tomatoes

Creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Well Fed Baker.

Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy butternut squash come together in this hearty soup, making it a great choice for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup

Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This 30-minute Italian skillet meal combines cannellini beans, sausage, and tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect to enjoy with crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Get the Recipe: Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian Tuna White Bean Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh tuna steaks and cannellini beans come together in this Mediterranean-inspired salad, making it a satisfying choice as a main dish or a flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad

Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup

Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Italian sausage, butternut squash, and white beans make this hearty soup a great option for family dinners and meal prep since it reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

This white chicken chili, made in the Instant Pot, is light yet filling, offering just the right amount of spice for a cold night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Loubia (Moroccan Stewed White Beans)

Loubia (Moroccan Stewed White Beans). Photo credit: Carolines Cooking.

Moroccan-style stewed white beans in a spiced tomato base create a warming and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Loubia (Moroccan Stewed White Beans)

Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

Baked dish with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves, served with two slices of toasted bread.
Photo credit: Style and Grace.

These white beans are baked in marinara, topped with mozzarella, and served over garlic bread, giving a grown-up twist to classic beans on toast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

Sauteed Spinach and White Beans

Sauteed Spinach and White Beans. Photo credit: Veggies Save The Day.

Spinach, garlic, lemon, and white beans cook together in one pan to create a quick and satisfying vegan side dish that’s ready in 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Spinach and White Beans

Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup

Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Sungrown Kitchen.

This Tuscan-inspired soup combines sausage, spinach, pasta, and a hint of cream in one pot, making it a hearty meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup

Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili

Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

Chicken, poblanos, and white beans come together in this comforting chili, making it a great choice for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Poblano White Bean Chili

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans. Photo credit: Vegan Huggs.

Creamy tomato-based butter beans come together in just 30 minutes, making a comforting side or main dish that’s perfect with crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Butter Beans

Chicken Minestrone Soup

Chicken Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

This Italian-inspired minestrone with chicken, fresh veggies, and white beans is rich in flavor and makes a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Minestrone Soup

Cheesy White Bean Buffalo Dip

Cheesy White Bean Buffalo Dip. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

White beans, hot sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar are baked together in this warm dip, creating the perfect party snack to serve with veggies or chips.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy White Bean Buffalo Dip

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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