Parmesan Beans

These Parmesan Beans turn simple canned cannellini beans into a creamy, savory side dish flavored with garlic, Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

The combination is inspired by the classic Parmesan-and-pepper flavor profile, while the beans become thick and saucy as they simmer in broth. The result is simple, filling, and ready in about twenty minutes.

If you enjoy easy white bean meals, this Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet is another simple way to turn beans into a satisfying meal.

What’s in Parmesan Beans?

This easy side dish uses a short list of basic ingredients and comes together quickly in one skillet.

Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans work especially well because they have a mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture while still holding enough of their shape during cooking.

If you like creamy bean-based dishes, Loaded Hummus Pitas are another easy option built around a smooth, savory bean base.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is sautéed in olive oil first, creating the savory base for the beans.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and also adds richness to the finished dish.

Broth

Vegetable broth or chicken broth gives the beans more flavor and provides the liquid needed to create their thick, saucy consistency.

Parmesan and Black Pepper

Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper are the main flavor ingredients. The Parmesan melts into the beans as they finish cooking and also helps thicken the sauce.

For another Parmesan-friendly side dish pairing, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus can work well as part of the same savory dinner.

Can I Use a Different Bean?

Cannellini beans are the best fit for this dish because of their size, mild flavor, and creamy texture.

Great Northern beans or navy beans can also work. Both are mild and creamy, although they are smaller than cannellini beans.

Navy beans tend to break down more quickly, so the finished dish may have a softer or slightly mushier texture.

If you want another bean-heavy comfort-food option, try Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup.

How to Make Parmesan Beans

1. Sauté the Garlic

Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute.

For another simple garlic-forward dinner, this Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta uses a similar savory flavor profile.

2. Add the Beans and Broth

Drain, but do not rinse, 2 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans.

Add the beans to the skillet along with ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth, then stir to combine.

3. Simmer Until Thick

Bring the beans to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The mixture is ready for the next step when it becomes thick and saucy and the spoon leaves a visible trail through the beans.

4. Add Parmesan and Pepper

Add ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper and ⅓ cup grated or shredded Parmesan.

Stir until the Parmesan melts into the beans.

Taste the beans and adjust the Parmesan and black pepper as needed. Add salt only if needed.

For another rich, savory recipe featuring cheese, Pimento Cheese is an easy option for snacks and gatherings.

5. Serve Hot

Serve the beans immediately while they are still hot.

The mixture becomes noticeably thicker as it cools, so the best creamy texture is achieved right after cooking.

How to Get the Right Texture

Do not rinse the canned beans after draining them. The liquid left clinging to the beans helps contribute to the thick, creamy consistency.

Allow the beans enough time to simmer before adding the Parmesan. The broth should reduce until the mixture looks saucy rather than watery.

The Parmesan thickens the beans further as it melts, so avoid reducing all of the liquid before adding the cheese.

For more official information about beans and their nutritional composition, see USDA FoodData Central.

What to Serve with Parmesan Beans

Parmesan Beans have a mild, savory flavor that works with many different main dishes.

Chicken is an especially natural pairing. Serve the beans alongside Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken when you want an easy hands-off main course.

They also work well beside Dry Rub Chicken Wings for a meal with crisp, strongly seasoned chicken and creamy beans.

For a classic comfort-food dinner, pair the beans with Classic Homemade Meatloaf.

If you want bread to scoop up the creamy sauce, Gluten-Free Artisan Bread works well on the side.

For another easy chicken option, Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Pineapple gives the plate a sweeter contrast to the salty Parmesan and black pepper.

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