These garlicky white beans are a quick and delicious side dish, packed with protein and fiber! Made with creamy cannellini beans, plenty of garlic, and spicy crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe brings out the best flavors of these simple ingredients!

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I’ve been on a little bit of a cannellini bean kick lately. I love how these simple white beans have a uniquely creamy texture and their mild flavor makes them really versatle. Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a staple in Italian cuisine but they can also be used in a pretty wide range of dishes and cuisines. Did I mention they’re an inexpensive pantry staple? Keep these beans on hand!

What Do Cannellini Beans Taste Like?

Cannellini beans have a subtle, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. They are softer than most other beans, which makes them unique. If you can’t find cannellini beans, you can substitute with great northern beans or navy beans, which have similar textures and flavors.

How to Cook Garlicky White Beans

Add the diced shallot, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shallot becomes translucent.
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the beans are heated through.
Remove the skillet from heat, season the beans with salt and lemon juice to taste. Toss with parsley.

What to Serve with White Beans

These garlicky white beans make an excellent side dish for plenty of dinner recipes. Try pairing these beans with a warm kale salad, sheet pan roasted vegetables, or with a spicy pasta dish like this calabrian chili pasta. You could even use these beans in my white bean and pesto bake!

How to Store Leftovers

Keep these beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can enjoy these beans chilled as a salad or reheat them on the stovetop or microwave if you want to serve them warm.

More Bean Recipes

If you love these garlicky white beans, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

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Garlicky White Beans

Garlicky White Beans

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These garlicky white beans are a quick and delicious side dish, packed with protein and fiber! Made with creamy cannellini beans, plenty of garlic, and spicy crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe brings out the best flavors of these simple ingredients!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 (15oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the diced shallot, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallot becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat, season the beans with salt and lemon juice to taste.
  5. Transfer the beans to a serving bowl and toss with fresh parsley if desired.