If You've Got Canned Beans And Parmesan, You Have The Start Of A Delicious Comfort Meal

It's so much simpler to pop open a can and heat up pre-cooked beans, skipping the soaking and long cooking that comes with using the dried variety. Now, with a delightful preparation that we scoped out on TikTok, we have figured out possibly the most scrumptious way to make canned white beans the star of a veggie-friendly dinnertime plate. Fresh-shredded parmesan cheese is really the only other necessity for making an out-of-this-world dish that compares to pillowy gnocchi, only with much more nutrition.

White beans like navy, cannellini, and butter beans all share a mild, nutty flavor and creamy consistency. When cooked through, they are tender and practically melt in the mouth. Per Healthline, one cup of cooked white beans contains 17 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber ... a knockout punch of nutrition. And, let's not forget that parm is one of the foods that have more protein than an egg!

All you need to do is whip up your favorite sauce base. A roux is a valid way to go here, but we've also seen home chefs achieve great results by "cheating" their way to a viscous consistency with cream cheese. Using veggie stock and ample cheese will keep things vegetarian; vegan eaters can opt to use coconut milk and non-dairy cheese.

If fresh parm is the main player in your white beans, allow us to implore you to fill out your dinnertime cast with delicious supporting players. Cream sauce and soft, starchy beans are virtually a blank canvas for building flavor ... and, best of all, it's easy-peasy to keep the meal fit for vegetarian dining. Garlic and herbs are two ingredients that never fail for adding flavor to canned beans, and that does double in this dinner. Imagine this meal almost like your favorite white-sauced pasta dish that's a hug in a bowl. That's the vibe that these beans give off. Garlic and parm are a match made in culinary heaven, and some fresh rosemary or thyme will do wonders towards adding a fresh "pop" to your plate!

Our other recommendation? Pile on the veggies! In our recipe for the best sheet ban butter beans, creamy halloumi cheese, springy asparagus tips, and tender beans all combined in a craveable, nutritious main course. We think similarly when it comes to parmesan-sauced white beans. A handful of fresh baby spinach will all but dissolve into the sauce, and those same asparagus tips will add a delightful "green" note to the dish, especially with the aforementioned herbs. 

If you're a vegetarian eater but crave some meatiness in your dinner, don't be stingy with the sliced baby bella mushrooms. We can also see some mature lima beans adding contrast to butter beans (which are young versions of the same species) ... or perhaps sweet peas? We're here to tell you that these beans contain limitless potential alongside their ample nutritional bonafides.