Tender cannellini beans and kale simmer in a savory, garlicky broth to create these braised White Beans and Greens. This easy one-pan recipe is full of flavor and comes together as a nutrient-rich side dish in under 30 minutes.
When I’m putting dinner together, I’m always looking for sides that are both simple and satisfying. White Beans and Greens topped with grated Parmesan check all the boxes. They’re wholesome, flavorful, and the perfect partner for a cozy meal.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-pan recipe – Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Nutritious and flavorful – Packed with fiber-rich beans, leafy greens, and a boost of protein and calcium.
- Versatile – Works with kale or other dark leafy greens like spinach.
Ingredients
- Lacinato kale: Also called Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, this variety has a mild flavor and tender texture that works beautifully in braised dishes. You can substitute baby spinach for a softer, quicker-cooking option.
- Cannellini beans: These large white beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor that make them perfect here. Be sure to rinse and drain canned beans well before using.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Use whichever you prefer; chicken broth adds a richer flavor, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs nicely with the beans and greens.
- Fresh lemon juice: Stirred in at the end to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Stirred in at the end for salty, savory richness.
How to Make White Beans and Greens
- Heat the olive oil, then cook the onion and rosemary until tender. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook briefly.
- Add the greens a handful at a time, stirring until they wilt.
- Stir in the beans, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper, then simmer, mashing a few beans to thicken.
- Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even better the next day.
Freeze: Transfer the cooled beans and greens and braising liquid to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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White Beans and Greens
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary or thyme, minced
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and roughly chopped, 10 to 12 ounces (can sub 4 cups baby spinach)
- 30 ounces canned cannellini beans, (2 15-ounce cans) rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving
Instructions
- In a deep 12-inch skillet or saute pan, heat the olive oil over MEDIUM. Add the onion and rosemary, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Begin adding handfuls of the greens, cooking and stirring until the leaves wilt, a minute or two.
- Add the white beans, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer, mashing some of the beans with a wooden spoon, until the liquid has reduced slightly and thickened a bit, 6 to 8 minutes. (Most of the beans should remain whole. The starch released from the smashed beans helps add a little body to the broth.)
- Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, then the Parmesan. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Top individual servings with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home. All information provided regarding nutrition on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Content related to nutrition is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. The website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before beginning any diet program, modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, including following the nutrition information available on the website, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.
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