Print

Creamy One-Pot Tuscan White Bean Chicken with Spinach

creamy one-pot tuscan white bean chicken with spinach - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring juicy chicken thighs, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh spinach in a flavorful Tuscan sauce. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • 4 cups packed fresh spinach (about 120 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add the chopped shallots and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir frequently and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained cannellini beans. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, the remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Scrape up any brown bits from the pan bottom and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  8. Remove the lid and pile fresh spinach on top of the chicken. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until spinach is wilted but still vibrant.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve hot, spooning the creamy Tuscan chicken and beans onto plates or bowls with plenty of sauce.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing for a golden crust. Use medium heat for aromatics to avoid burning garlic. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor. Simmer gently to cook chicken evenly and thicken sauce. Add spinach last to preserve color and nutrients. If sauce is too thick, add broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered longer. Can substitute chicken breasts but watch cooking time to avoid dryness. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy chicken, Tuscan, white beans, spinach, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food