Go Back

20-Minute Italian White Bean & Tuna Skillet

Italian tuna, creamy white beans, blistered tomatoes, spinach, and lemon in one skillet in 20 minutes — the ultimate pantry dinner, about 34g protein per serving (estimated).
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes plus more to taste
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary plus a sprig for garnish
  • 3 (5 oz) cans tuna packed in olive oil drained
  • Zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 cups baby spinach or arugula
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Lemon wedges and crusty bread for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is pale gold and fragrant. Don't let it brown darkly.
  2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cut-side down where you can, and cook undisturbed 2 minutes, then stir and cook 1 more minute until softened and a few are lightly blistered.
  3. Stir in the cannellini beans, broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a lively simmer and cook 4–5 minutes, until the liquid thickens slightly and the beans are warmed through. Gently crush a few beans with the spoon to make it creamy.
  4. Add the drained tuna in large chunks, stirring very gently so it stays in flakes rather than shredding. Simmer 1–2 minutes, until heated through.
  5. Stir in the spinach a handful at a time until just wilted, about 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Spoon into warm bowls or straight onto plates. Top with extra Parmesan, a rosemary sprig, lemon wedges, and a pinch more red pepper flakes. Serve with plenty of crusty bread for the garlicky broth.

Notes

Food safety: pantry recipe — all protein comes from cans, so you are warming, not cooking raw protein; reheat gently to steaming (165°F). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; 3 days refrigerated. Not freezer-friendly. Protein ~34g/serving estimated from USDA FoodData Central; not lab-tested.