12 Quick, Delicious Dinners to Make with Canned Cannellini Beans

Here's a hearty soup that's quick and easy to put together. "This classic Italian-American comfort food works with any kind of sausage," says Chef John. "But I like the fennel and anise flavors of sweet Italian sausage with the beans."

This is an incredibly simple recipe that features just five convenient ingredients: cans of Italian-style diced tomatoes and cannellini beans, fresh spinach, penne pasta, and crumbled feta cheese. It's ready in about 25 minutes.

"We've taken some short cuts to make a quick version of the French classic, cassoulet," says Chef John. "Chicken thighs replace the time-consuming duck confit; canned beans replace dried; and bacon serves as a convenient substitute for other, more involved smoked pork options."

"This wonderful soup is full of dark green kale, potatoes, and cannellini beans," says Donna B. It will warm your insides, delight your taste buds, and fill your stomach on a cold winter's night."

For a quick weeknight dinner, the potatoes, zucchini, and dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled in separate airtight containers. This recipe first appeared in Allrecipes magazine's Dec/Jan 2020 issue. It comes from Ellie's new cookbook, Whole in One: Complete, Healthy Meals in a Single Pot, Sheet Pan, or Skillet.

"A hearty tomato and white wine-based stew for cold winter nights," says amanda1432. "For lovers of the peppery arugula plant!"

Beautiful, crusty caramelized roast pork puts an Italian twist on "beans and greens." You'll make a simple spice rub for the pork shoulder, and serve the pork with cannellini beans sautéed briefly with sliced garlic and fresh arugula.

"This is a hearty, wonderful soup that takes a very short time to make," says Callinectes Sapidus. "If you have a rind from a piece of Parmiggiano Reggiano, add it to the broth as you cook; if you don't, you may want to add grated Parmesan cheese to the soup. This soup thickens as it stands."

The trick to this chili is to sizzle the chicken breasts in a skillet with just a small amount of vegetable oil -- and then to deglaze all the flavorful browned chicken bits off the bottom of the pan. Garlic, ancho and chipotle chili powders, cayenne, cumin, and oregano come together to create a very flavorful white chili.

"In this one-skillet supper, we toss dark leafy greens, diced tomatoes, and white beans with gnocchi and top it all with mozzarella," says Breana Lai.

This one-skillet recipe features canned white beans with chicken breasts, garlic, zucchini, and chopped tomato. "This was delicious and so easy," says HolisticMomma. "Never thought it would be as flavorful as it was. Love that it's very healthy too!"

Here's a forgiving recipe that's a great way to get your greens! "I eat it as a main dish, but this could easily be fit for four to six sides," says recipe submitter Diana. "Feel free to substitute different kinds of greens depending on what's in season, and use regular diced bacon instead of pancetta if desired."