If you have a can of white beans in your pantry, let me show you how to turn it into a tasty soup, hearty pasta, or healthy dip!
I always have a can of white beans in my pantry. They’re creamy when you cook them down, they soak up any flavor you throw at them, and a can of beans plus a few herbs can become dinner in about 20 minutes. Below you’ll find 25 of my favorite white bean recipes, from cozy soups and creamy pastas to hearty bakes and a few dips. Every recipe is vegetarian, and most use either cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.
Why I Love Cooking with White Beans
A can of white beans has around 20 to 25 grams of protein and a generous amount of fiber, which means they can do the heavy lifting in vegetarian recipes!
They thicken sauces beautifully. Mashed or blended white beans turn a thin broth into something silky and creamy without any cream at all. This is one of my favorite plant-based cooking tricks.
They’re a pantry shortcut. A can of white beans plus garlic, olive oil, and whatever herbs you have can be a dip, a side, or the base of dinner. They make weeknight cooking feel almost effortless.
A Quick Guide to White Bean Varieties
- Cannellini beans are large, creamy, slightly nutty Italian kidney beans. They’re my go-to for Tuscan-style dishes, pastas, and anything where you want the beans to break down into the sauce.
- Great Northern beans are smaller and milder than cannellini and hold their shape a little better. Use them when you want distinct beans in a soup or stew.
- Navy beans are the smallest of the bunch and have a soft, almost buttery texture. They’re the classic baked beans bean and work well in pureed soups and dips.
The good news: in almost every recipe below, these three varieties are interchangeable. Use whatever you have on hand.
Fluffy couscous topped with garlicky white beans and tomatoes creates a quick and easy dinner recipe that is packed with flavor! You only need 15 minutes to assemble this tasty dinner.
You’re going to love this simple and flavorful vegan broccoli pizza! Tender broccoli and creamy cannellini beans are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, then piled onto a crispy pizza crust. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
This creamy Tuscan white bean soup is filled with vegetables and cannellini beans for a hearty soup that is healthy & delicious!
This vegan chili verde soup is full of spicy flavor but it only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Let it simmer for a few minutes and dinner is served. Plus, this recipe packs in lots of protein and fiber without meat!
This tortellini soup is loaded with vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth for a simple vegetarian meal that is filling and delicious!
This white bean casserole is made with toasted bread, fire-roasted tomatoes, and plenty of seasoning to create a uniquely delicious meal! It’s a great way to use up day-old bread.
These cheesy white beans are simmered with garlic, tomatoes, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes then topped with gooey mozzarella for a delicious, meatless main dish.
This Instant Pot White Bean Soup is infused with fresh rosemary and filled with lots of vegetables for a hearty, plant-based meal that comes together in minutes!
This cozy cabbage soup is packed with a variety of vegetables making this the perfect meal when you want to enjoy something light but satisfying. This good-for-you soup is great for a sick day or a chilly winter evening!
This cozy white bean soup is made in the slow cooker for a simple recipe that only takes a few minutes of chopping. The creamy texture of these beans makes this a tasty, hearty recipe!
This Vegetarian Pasta e Fagioli is so hearty and delicious, you won’t miss the meat! This cozy, filling soup is the perfect main dish!
This delicious pasta recipe is a 15 minute dinner filled with a rainbow of veggies! Everything cooks in one pot so this delicious, healthy meal is easy to make!
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!
This creamy white bean dip is so easy to make, but it’s loaded with flavor! It’s the perfect spread to serve with veggies or pita chips!
These delicious white bean tacos are packed with spicy flavor! You only need 6 ingredients to make these tasty tacos and they’re completely plant-based.
This spicy white bean dip is made with fresh jalapeño and cilantro for a flavorful recipe that is easy to make! You only need 5 ingredients for this tasty spread!
This simple white bean and pesto bake is a great “dump and bake” casserole that only takes a few minutes to assemble. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
This delicious navy bean soup is a cozy plant-based recipe that comes together easily. Creamy navy beans combined with tender vegetables create a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of year!
These pesto white bean burgers are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. Made with simple ingredients and pantry staples, these burgers are so easy to make!
These crispy white beans are a protein-packed recipe made in less than 20 minutes! It’s easy to turn a simple can of beans into a crunchy snack that’s perfect for tossing on salads or serving as a side dish.
This easy rapini pasta is a simple, flavorful meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner! The bitter broccoli rabe is perfectly balanced with creamy ricotta, tender white beans, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
These vegetarian baked beans are cooked in a sweet sauce for a classic taste that pairs perfectly with your favorite veggie burger! Enjoy these at your next picnic or cookout!
This delicious orzo pasta recipe is made in one pan with white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and orzo. It’s an easy vegetarian dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes.
This delicious, creamy Tuscan pasta is ready in just 20 minutes! Prep the veggie-packed sauce while the pasta boils, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
This pesto white bean soup is made with just five ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor! It’s perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal that takes minimal effort to prepare!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cannellini beans and white beans the same thing? Cannellini are a type of white bean, specifically a large, creamy Italian variety. “White beans” is the umbrella term that also includes navy beans, great northern beans, and a few less common varieties. They can almost always be swapped for each other. Garbanzo beans are not the same and they don’t work as well in some of these recipes.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Absolutely. One 15-ounce can equals about 1.5 cups of cooked beans. Soak dried beans overnight, then simmer until tender (usually 60 to 90 minutes for white beans). Cooking from dried gives you better texture and lets you control the salt.
Are white beans good for you? Yes. They’re an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. The fiber and protein combination makes them especially filling, which is part of why I use them so often!
How do I store cooked white beans? Cooked beans keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. Freeze them in their cooking liquid for the best texture when you thaw them.
What can I do with leftover beans from a can? Toss them into a salad, mash them onto toast with olive oil and lemon, blend them into a quick dip, or stir them into your next soup or pasta. White beans are one of the few leftover ingredients that genuinely improve the next meal they’re in.
If you have chickpeas, check out this list for 15 ways to use a can of chickpeas!