White Bean

13 Cannellini Bean Recipes for Quick and Hearty Dinners

Grab a can of white beans and you can have a cozy dinner in under an hour.
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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

A can of white beans is a weeknight pantry-to-table star. These cannellini bean recipes take those cans—or a bag of dried white beans—and really help them shine. Below you’ll find brothy preparations just begging for a hunk of bread, a crispy (and speedy) gratin that takes its inspiration from cassoulet, a creamy pot of chicken-and-bean chili, and more ideas for turning the can you have into the meal you need. If you just need a snack, consider roasting your white beans until they get nice and crispy. For filling, flavorful lunches and dinners, scroll down.

  • Photo of vegan red pepper pasta with garlic breadcrumbs.
    Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton
    1/13

    Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta With Garlic Bread Breadcrumbs

    We love how white beans can add creaminess to a dish—like this quick weeknight pasta, which manages to be vegan, thanks to a trusty can of beans. Don't miss the garlicky breadcrumbs on top. After you've checked out this dish, keep scrolling for all of our best cannellini bean recipes.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton
    2/13

    Lemony Chicken Soup With Farro, White Beans, and Kale

    This hearty chicken soup is filled with farro, kale, and cannellini beans, and topped with fresh dill and a quick radish-top salsa verde. Lemon juice brightens it up nicely.

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  • Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce
    5/13

    White Chicken Chili

    Here's the perfect speedy recipe for a fall or winter weeknight dinner. Two cans of Great Northern or cannellini beans cook quickly with pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast, garlic, chili powder, jalapeño, onion, chicken broth, and frozen corn. Adding a splash of heavy cream at the end makes it luxurious and rich. Top with avocado, cilantro, or whatever you prefer.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    6/13

    Mussels With Chorizo and Tomatoes on Toast

    If you've only ever ordered mussels at a restaurant, we'll let you in on a secret. Cooking them is completely quick and easy, and they take kindly to lots of flavor variations. Here, they're paired with cannellini, wine, and dried chorizo, with toasty bread for sopping up the broth.

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  • Romulo Yanes
    9/13

    Winter Minestrone

    This soothing soup brings together canned tomato, escarole, Swiss chard, garlic, and white beans, flavored with a bit of pancetta and the Parmesan rind. Top with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a handful of cooked pasta, and more grated cheese.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau
    10/13

    Escarole with Cannellini Beans

    This classic combo is just what you want to eat when the weather is chilly. And it's a great way to make use of that bag of dried cannellini that's been lingering in your pantry.

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  • Photo by Isa Zapata, Prop styling by Tim Ferro, Food styling by Taneka Morris
    11/13

    Marinated Mixed Beans

    Prep a bowl of these herby, tangy beans, and pile them on toast (or lettuce) all week long.

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  • 12/13

    White Bean Soup With Duck Confit

    Dried white beans get boosted flavor from duck confit, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and cloves for this dinner party-worthy bean soup. Invite your guests into the kitchen while you ignite the Armagnac before you stir it into the pot.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jaime, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou
    13/13

    Pine Nut and White Bean Dip

    We couldn't wrap up this list of our best cannellini bean recipes without including this dip, which pairs the beans with toasty pine nuts and just a touch of garlic. Serve with raw veggies or your favorite crackers.

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