Canned Cannellini Beans Make Easy, Healthy Dinners

By Carl Hanson
Updated October 12, 2020

A can or two of cannellini beans are your secret weapon for quick weekday dinners. These top-rated recipes have it all. Easy to put together, they're also comforting, complete meals that are healthy, wholesome, and delicious! Tasty white beans add creamy texture and protein to soups, stews, and chili recipes that are also loaded with healthy greens, other veggies, and (sometimes) lean meats.

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Escarole and Beans

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"Rich and divine! This is a creamy concoction of escarole and beans," says KristaP. It's ready in about 40 minutes. Donna says, "I always add chicken broth to mine because I like it a bit more soupy. Also, you can use other types of beans besides cannellini. Garbanzo beans are also good with this recipe."

 

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Cha Cha's White Chicken Chili

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This amazing combination of chicken and spicy beans brings the heat. Cha Cha says: "It's spicy, so watch out!" For a tamer take on this chili, Cathy recommends that you substitute mild green chiles for the jalapenos. LAURA mashed some of the beans to thicken the soup a bit. She says, "If the chicken is diced pretty small this also makes an excellent dip for tortilla chips."

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Beans, Greens and Garlic Soup

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This hearty soup features the classic Italian pairing of pasta and beans. Cannellini beans and ditalini pasta combine with baby spinach and lots of garlic. It's ready in less than an hour. "A very yummy soup," says WIFE2SP. "Filling and comforting. I didn't drain the beans because I like the thickness the liquid gives the soup."

 

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White Chili with Ground Turkey

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Here you'll brown a little ground turkey and combine it with cannellini beans, green chilies, onions, garlic, and chicken stock seasoned with cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. It's ready in about 45 minutes. "Make sure you spice this one to taste," says Donna. "Garnish with cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro leaves, and serve with rolled tortillas on the side."

 

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Greek Pasta with Tomatoes and White Beans

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This quick-and-easy recipe features just five ingredients: cans of cannellini beans and Italian-style diced tomatoes, fresh spinach, penne pasta, and a crumble of feta cheese. It's ready in about 25 minutes. "Excellent dish," raves AMR. "I make this at least once a month, and it's a great way to get spinach and beans in both my husband and toddler!"

 

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Super Filling Cannellini Bean and Escarole Dish

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"A super easy and quick, well balanced dish," says MaraAllen. "Use any and all vegetables you want! You can use this as a sauce to put over pasta or over rice to get a complete protein with the beans (then you can omit the meat if you want a vegetarian dish)." It's ready in about 50 minutes.

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Vegetarian Kale Soup

Credit: The Gruntled Gourmand
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Dark green kale and cannellini beans join cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings in this comforting soup. "I'd give this 10 stars if it were possible," says mimieux. "The flavor is outstanding for such a simple recipe. So healthy and a wonderful way to enjoy all the benefits of the superfood kale."

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Arugula Salad with Cannellini Beans

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Here is a hearty hot salad that combines sauteed garlic, tomatoes, white wine, herbs, and cannellini beans spooned onto a bed of arugula and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese. "This is delicious," says Shoe. "The wine, garlic, and tomatoes are a lovely counterpoint to the spicy arugula. I think the cheese is a must." Ready in about 25 minutes.

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White Bean Chicken Breast Chili

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The recipe calls for boneless chicken breast meat. If you prefer, use chicken thighs. But chicken breasts have less fat, and this chili is already super-flavorful, with garlic, ancho and chipotle chili powders, cayenne, cumin, and oregano. You'll also get a big flavor boost from deglazing the pan. "Spicier than expected, but it was delicious," says Amy57. "I might use a little less ancho chile powder next time. I toned down the spice a little by diluting a tablespoon of sour cream in some warm water and adding that in. I topped it with some broken tortilla chips, Mexican blend cheese, and cilantro."

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Chicken and Tomato Stew with Arugula and Cannellini

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"A hearty tomato and white wine-based bean stew for cold winter nights," says amanda1432. "For lovers of the peppery arugula plant!" Crystal says, "This is a very delicious and easy recipe to make. I used the slow cooker and added the arugula, basil, and cooked pasta at the end. Dinner was ready when I got home from work."

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Turkey and Chorizo Chili with White Beans

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"Tasty, full-flavored chili with turkey and chorizo," says BD. "Green chiles and spices offer just a little bit of heat. Serve with corn chips and avocado salad."

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Quick Chicken Chili

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"This chicken chili has few ingredients with lots of flavor," says Abbie Jensen Whitton. "If you are looking for something quick and healthy, this is the recipe to use. This is wonderful over white or brown rice."

 

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Italian Bean Ramen

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"Beans, veggies, and instant ramen--this is the easiest meal you never knew you wanted," says Kempstr.

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Whole-Family Pasta with Broccoli and Cauliflower

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Here's a kid-pleasing pasta featuring cannellini beans and veggies. Dad's love it too! "I made it with extra Broccoli and Cauliflower and even my meat loving husband loved it and asked for more!" says seashellsue.

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Cacio e Pepe e Fagioli and Stuff

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"This was one of those, 'What can I do with what I have in the cupboard?' recipes, partially inspired by trying Cacio e Pepe ('Cheese and Pepper') earlier this year," says ohevshalomel. "It turned out great and I think you'll think so too! Serve with your favorite Italian main dish and enjoy!"

 

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By Carl Hanson