Name: Italian Cannellini Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (Alternatively, use 1.5 cups of cooked dried beans.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for flavor.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Can reduce to 1 clove or substitute with garlic powder.); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Italian seasoning or fresh herbs can be used.); Salt and pepper, to taste (Coarse sea salt is recommended.); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Other tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes are not available.); Fresh parsley for garnish (Adds color and freshness.)

This delicious Italian Cannellini Beans recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, if you’re looking for comfort food that’s packed with flavor, this dish is going to be your new go-to recipe.

Ingredient Breakdown

2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Italian Cannellini Beans

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. You want it just hot enough that it shimmers but not so hot that it smokes. Smart cooking tip: don’t walk away now, keep an eye on that oil!
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This’ll only take about a minute, just until it’s golden and smells heavenly. You might even want to dance a little; the aroma is irresistible!
Add the cannellini beans, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything’s well mixed and the beans warm through. You might hear some sizzling, which is great! You’re building flavor here.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through. Watch your beans, don’t let them mash; you want them to hold their shape. They should look glossy and inviting!
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This not only looks BEAUTIFUL but also brings that fresh flavor that ties everything together. Seriously, the pop of green is so vibrant!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something hearty yet light. I’m a real sucker for dishes that can be prepped in a hurry and still taste amazing, and this is one of those comfort food staples that I always keep on hand. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s so versatile! You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, chop up any leftover veggies, throw in some protein, or even mix in grains for a more substantial meal. The best part is, you can totally customize it to your taste!

If you loved this Italian Cannellini Beans recipe, be sure to check out my Simple Ina Garten Ribollita, my Sun-Dried Tomato Cannellini Bean Salad, or my Caribbean Chicken and Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe is a true lifesaver, it comes together in under 15 minutes! When you have little time to cook but still want to serve something delicious, this is the perfect solution. Seriously, it’s like magic on a plate!

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup is required, which is always a win in my book. Just one skillet to clean means more time for hugs, laughter, and maybe even some wine after the kids are in bed.

Budget-Friendly

All these ingredients are super affordable and can be found at any grocery store. So, whether you’re feeding a small army or just two hungry humans, this meal won’t break the bank.

Customizable

You could easily swap out the tomatoes for diced bell peppers, or toss in spinach for more greens. Use whatever ingredients you have; it’s like a “clean out the fridge” meal that tastes fancy without all the fuss.

Comfort Food

This is totally loaded with tons of flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. The texture of the creamy beans, paired with those sweet tomatoes, has a way of warming you right up. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside!

Serving Suggestions

You could serve these Italian Cannellini Beans over a bed of fluffy rice or along with freshly baked crusty bread to soak up every bit of flavor. They also pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal!

Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions: The best method to reheat is on the stove over low heat. Stir it occasionally and add a splash of water if it seems too thick. You want those flavors to meld back together, not dry out!

Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You could also portion it out in freezer-safe bags for super easy meals on busy nights.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful! With this Italian Cannellini Beans recipe, you can whip up a fantastic meal in no time. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, it’s sure to become a recipe you return to again and again. Now, who’s ready to dig in? Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.