Cannellini Beans – What Can I Do With Them? – 20 Great Recipes

When trying to make recipes, sometimes you might be looking at what you have left in your cupboards. There we have it, lonely at the back, covered in cobwebs, is a tin of cannellini beans.

You might think this food is limited in scope, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cannellini Beans - What Can I Do With Them? - 20 Great Recipes

Cannellini beans have a large range, you can make lots of different types of food out of these beans: pastas, soups, fish dishes, Mexican food (see also ‘The 39 Best Mexican Foods You Have To Try!‘) and many, many more.

So what recipes should you be looking at? How easy are these dishes to make? How versatile is each recipe? How can you rustle up the perfect meal for your family occasion?

Well, we would certainly recommend that you keep reading, as we have plenty of cannellini bean recipes for you here.

20 Great Cannellini Bean Recipes

1. Penne With Tomatoes And White Beans

First off, we have a very rich and creamy pasta dish. The texture of the beans will be a great compliment to the pasta, while the tomatoes give it that real kick.

This comes with spinach and a fair helping of parmesan cheese. If you want that taste of Italy with your beans, then we would certainly recommend this dish.

This is a great meal for the winter, doing more than enough to fill you up, as well as warming you after a cold day’s walk.

2. Cavolo Nero, Meatball And Cannelli Soup

Next up we have a dish that is not only very easy to make, but it will only take you 40 minutes to do so. This contains all the meat, vegetables and beans that you’ll need to keep you full.

This comes with fresh sausages, which are perfect for anyone who loves the taste of meat. This is great for the winter or the summer.

This comes with a generous helping of kale, which is a vegetable that is simply packed with vitamins.

3. Creamy Chicken, Bean And Leek Traybake

Now when you are pairing your beans with any meat, you can’t go far wrong with chicken (see also ‘30 Chicken Tenderloin Recipes That Are Quick And Easy‘). These beans will really beef up your traybake, as they will go a golden brown when you cook them.

You can cook a large tray of this meal and then freeze the contents so that you can have a hearty meal throughout the week.

All you have to do is season the chicken, add the beans and shove the whole thing in the oven for 50 minutes. Okay, it’s a lot more complicated than that, but you can be sure that ultimately this dish is a very simple one.

4. White Bean Soup With Parmesan

If you are a fan of cheese and Italian-style food, then this is another great recipe. This is ideal for warming you up in the afternoon.

This is a very simple and affordable dish, which is really perfect if you are trying to make ends meet but you don’t want to sacrifice your pallet as a result.

Topping this with parmesan cheese will really elevate this dish, giving it that stringy and gooey texture, as well as the tanginess that can often liven up a bland dish.

5. White Beans With Tomato And Garlic

Next up we have some chicken broth which will really give you that extra sparkle when you add it to a larger feast. This comes with aromatic garlic and tomato that will give it that extra punch.

If you are struggling to find a way to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, then why not throw in this dish as an option. This goes really well with any kind of meat, but if we were forced to choose, then we would put it with a chicken dish.

This is also a very simple dish to put together, all you need is around 10 minutes… and that’s including the cooking time!

6. Spanish Bean Stew

Next up, we have a meal that comes with spicy chicken thighs and chorizo, both of which are amazing if you are looking for a hearty meat dish.

This is a great dish that will come in only one pot, which is perfect if you are wanting to rustle up something very quickly and very easily.

This comes with some tasty tomato and tangy chorizo sausage. This is an ideal meal for anyone who is looking for a stomach filler during those long hot summer afternoons.

7. Beef And Boston Baked Beans

Next up, we have something that comes with a delicious jacket potato or crusty bread. If you have never tried Boston beans before, then we would certainly recommend that you sample this one.

This comes with tomato puree and mustard, which guarantees that it will pack a bit of a punch. Add in some garlic and onion cloves and you have a great recipe.

All you have to do is simply throw these ingredients into a pot and wait for them to cook. It is one of the simplest dishes that you can make on this list.

8. White Bean Ragout

Next up, we have a delicious meal that features a whole host of herbs along with sweet tomatoes that you can be sure will elevate your ordinary dinner.

This is a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it comes with no extra dairy or meat ingredients. However, this will also make the perfect side dish for your meat-heavy meal too.

You can also use dried beans with this meal, which will save you a lot of hassle soaking the beans overnight.

9. Tuscan White Bean Pasta

If your aim with cannellini beans is to simply liven up your average dinner, then you can’t go wrong with this Tuscan white bean pasta dish.

Again, when we are thinking about beans and what compliments them, then you can’t go wrong with creamy pasta. The whole thing tends to melt into a very satisfying soup-like dish.

This is easy to make and is perfect for a summer outdoor dinner (see also ‘27 Summer Dinner Ideas For Warm Nights‘). You should add some salad and kale to boost the nutritional value of this dish.

10. Cannellini Bean Stew

This stew is something that you can rustle up very quickly, giving you everything that you need to fill your stomach and warm you up after a hard day in the cold.

This comes with dried beans, corn kernels and garlic powder. This gives you all the traditional flavor of stew but with an additional spicy kick.

This stew comes with a host of unique flavors, especially if you put in dried beans instead of beans that have been soaked overnight. This gives them an extra crunchy taste.

11. Two Bean And Herb Salad

Next, we have something that is great for those people who want that extra health kick when they are eating their meal. This is a light salad that will also fill you up.

These beans are specially trimmed and prepared, which makes them a great addition to any sort of beef dish.

If you want something that is not too heavy on your stomach, then we would certainly recommend that you get this salad.

12. Winter Cannellini Bean Soup

If you are looking for a meal that you can freeze easily and then warm up for that delicious flavor, then you can’t go wrong with this bean-heavy cannellini soup.

This meal comes with shallots, which will this meal its real pep. If you are looking for a decent hearty bean soup (see also ‘18 Simple Bean Soup Recipes‘), then you can’t go far wrong with this one.

This also comes with streaky bacon, which will give this soup that smoky flavor that you might often associate with barbeque.

13. Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Next up we have a soup that is great for vegans, coming with almost 15 grams of protein, which is amazing if you are looking for something that will help you bulk up during your training.

Once you have done this, all you’ll need to do is to throw your ingredients in a pot and simmer until they are thoroughly cooked.

This is great if you are looking to cut the calories but not the delicious flavor of your food. You also won’t have to worry about gaining too much weight when eating this meal once a day.

14. Baked Aubergines With Cannellini Beans

This next meal is something a little different, giving you a decent low-calorie supper that you can be sure will help you sleep throughout the night.

This comes with baked aubergines, which makes it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. This is topped with delicious parmesan cheese.

This comes with two halves of aubergine that are baked, giving them that lovely golden brown skin. This comes with cannellini beans, garlic and onion for that sumptuous taste.

15. Frothy Cannellini Soup

This next cannellini meal comes in a coffee cup, which makes it a great meal that you can eat on the go. This comes with garlic cloves and onions, which makes that rich taste and flavor.

This comes with a frothy texture, which is simply perfect if you are looking for something that is light and airy.

All you have to do is throw these ingredients in a blender and then cook them to perfection. This is great if you are looking for something quick before you dash off to work.

16. Slow Cooker Cannellini Bean Soup

Next up, we have a soup that is simply brimming with fiber, protein and, most importantly, deliciousness. This contains only a handful of ingredients, which is ideal for anyone who does not have the time or the inclination to cook.

This is a great meal that you won’t forget in a hurry. This is traditionally a vegetarian recipe, but you can add some bacon or chicken to this meal to really beef it up.

This is great if you have a little time on your hands and you like that slow-cooked melt-in-the-mouth taste.

17. White Bean Salad

Next up, we have a simple white bean salad that comes with some balsamic vinegar and a little helping of olive oil, herbs and salt. This will really elevate the flavor of your meal.

This is a great picnic salad, all you have to do is put it in the refrigerator and it will be ready to eat the next day.

If you aren’t that flashy with cash and you want to make something cheap, then this is a great meal that you can throw together.

18. White Chicken Chili

This next dish comes served in a rich and creamy broth, with delicious chicken that you can be sure will boost your daily protein intake.

You can load this one up with plenty of vegetables including kale, tomatoes and broccoli. You can even supplement the meat with some bacon or even chunks of beef.

You can load this one up with toppings, whether it is avocado or parmesan cheese. This is one of the most versatile dishes that you can find on the market.

19. Smoky Beans With Basil And Bacon

If you like beans on toast but you are searching for an alternative, then look no further. This bean recipe takes all the simple ingredients and elevates them to a whole new level.

All you need with this one is two rashers of bacon, which is great if you are trying to cobble this together with ingredients that you have lying around the house.

This comes with large vine-ripened tomatoes, which is great if you want that Mediterranean hint to your food.

20. Quinoa And White Bean Fritters

Finally, we have a great meal that utilizes some of the most wholesome natural ingredients, which is vegan-friendly and extremely delicious.

This meal is very high in protein as well as having zero grains, which is great if you are gluten intolerant.

These fritters are extremely filling and they are great to make for your kids, coming as a healthy alternative to the usual unhealthy chicken fritters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Rinse Cannellini Beans Straight From The Tin?

We would recommend that you rinse your beans before you add them to the grill. This is because they are often covered in goopy stuff that will certainly not be that great to taste.

How Long Should I Soak My Cannellini Beans During The Night?

You don’t have to soak these beans overnight if you won’t want to. One of the great things about them is that they take under 6 hours to prepare.

You can also add these beans to your casserole or stew if you want to, as there is more than enough water to soak them all up.

How Can I Tell When My Cannellini Beans Are Properly Cooked?

You should try sticking your fork or knife through them before you eat them. If they slide off the fork, then this is usually a good indication that they are ready to eat.

Will I Get Gas If I Eat Too Many Cannellini Beans?

Yes, these beans do release a large volume of gas, as they contain sugars and starches that cannot be broken down by the human digestive system.

Can I Get A Lot Of Protein From Cannellini Beans?

Yes, especially if you are a vegetarian. A lot of non-meat eaters find it hard to reach their daily quota of protein because they are not getting it from fish or animal meat.

Beans are a great way of supplementing your vegetarian or vegan diet, especially if you are working out regularly.

Are Cannellini Beans That High In Potassium?

Yes, these beans, like a lot of other beans of its type, are very high in potassium. If you find that your potassium levels are low, then we would recommend that you eat plenty of beans to get these levels up again.

What Is The Best Way Of Preparing Cannellini Beans?

You should make sure that you soak them first, especially if they are dry. You should also drain them thoroughly if you have taken them out of the tin.

This is because they are often covered in gloop, which often isn’t a great texture.

Can You Reduce High Cholesterol With Cannellini Beans?

Yes, you can reduce your overall cholesterol by eating a lot of cannellini beans. This is because they contain saponins, which help break up cholesterol in the digestive tract.

Conclusion

We hope that our cannellini recipes have helped you decide which one you’d like to make and how to prepare your dish properly.

Cannellini Beans - What Can I Do With Them? - 20 Great Recipes

Cannellini Beans – What Can I Do With Them? – 20 Great Recipes

Recipe by Jenna

In this article, we’ll be looking at 20 great cannellini bean recipes that you can implement to make your daily dishes that little bit more exciting.

Course: Uncategorized
0 from 0 votes
Jenna
Follow Me
Latest posts by Jenna (see all)