Today I’m bringing you a truly luscious, cozy bowl of goodness that is going to warm your soul and absolutely hit the spot. Meet the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew, and trust me when I say this one is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! It’s everything you want in comfort food: rich, savory, slightly sweet, and unbelievably creamy—all without a ton of fuss. It’s packed with tender veggies and hearty white beans swimming in a vibrant, smoky tomato broth. This is the kind of recipe you’ll be craving the moment the weather cools down, or honestly, any day you need a big, comforting hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: The texture is smooth, thick, and perfectly creamy, making every spoonful feel like a luxurious treat.
Simple & Pantry-Friendly: This stew uses mostly staples you likely already have, and it comes together in just about 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Vibrant and Flavorful: We’re layering flavors with aromatics, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili flakes for depth, ensuring this isn’t just a basic bean soup—it’s UNREAL.
Hearty and Healthy: Thanks to the white beans, this stew is packed with fiber and protein, making it incredibly satisfying, whether you’re vegetarian or just love a good meatless meal.

Ingredients

All you need for this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew are simple, powerhouse ingredients and about 40 minutes! But first, gather up these must-haves:

Olive Oil: The perfect healthy fat to start building our flavor base.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery (The Holy Trinity): These aromatics, often called the mirepoix, are crucial for a deep, savory foundation that gives the stew soul.
Garlic: Because a recipe is only as good as the amount of garlic in it! It adds an indispensable pungent warmth.
Smoked Paprika: This is the secret weapon! It provides that lovely, smoky depth that makes the stew taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that complements the tomato perfectly.
Chili Flakes (Optional): Just a tiny pinch for a welcome hint of heat and complexity—don’t skip it if you love a little warmth!
Crushed Tomatoes: They thicken the broth and provide that beautiful, rich tomato flavor.
White Beans (Cannellini or Great Northern): Our star protein! They lend a creamy texture and make the stew incredibly hearty. Make sure to rinse them well!
Vegetable Broth: The liquid backbone of the stew; use a high-quality, flavorful broth for the best results.
Coconut Cream or Heavy Cream Substitute: This is the key to our velvety creaminess. Coconut cream adds a slight subtle sweetness that is incredible, but any plant-based cream works.
Baby Spinach: Stirred in at the end, it wilts beautifully, adding a beautiful pop of color and a boost of greens.
Salt and Pepper: To enhance and balance all those gorgeous flavors.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish right before serving.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire stew and makes the flavors sing!

Note: You’ll find the specific measurements for all these ingredients right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

It’s surprisingly easy to whip up this stew. Here’s how we turn simple ingredients into a seriously comforting meal:

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. Once it starts looking translucent, toss in the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring often, to let those veggies start releasing their sweetness.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

Now for the magic! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir everything for just 60 seconds. This step is super important—it “blooms” the spices in the hot oil, waking up their flavors and making them incredibly aromatic!

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s flavor!). Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Beans and Tenderize

Add the drained and rinsed white beans, stir them in, and let the stew simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the carrots and celery plenty of time to get nice and tender and allows all the wonderful flavors to marry together.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Greens

Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the coconut cream (or your cream substitute). Stir it through and let it simmer for just 3 more minutes until the stew thickens into that dreamy, creamy consistency. Finally, toss in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts down completely.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give the whole stew a taste test. Now is the time to add salt and pepper until the flavor is perfectly balanced. Ladle the hot stew into bowls, and don’t forget that final flourish: a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a crucial squeeze of fresh lemon juice!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Lemon! Seriously, that squeeze of fresh lemon at the very end is what elevates the whole dish. It cuts through the creaminess and brightens the tomato flavor immensely.
Blending for Texture: For an even silkier texture, remove about 1 cup of the stew before adding the cream, blend it in a high-powered blender, and then stir it back in. This naturally thickens the stew without using flour!
Spice Level Check: If you aren’t sure about the chili flakes, start with just a small pinch, or omit them entirely. You can always add a dash of hot sauce right before serving if you decide you need a kick!
Use Quality Canned Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are the star here, so opting for a brand you love can make a big difference in the final flavor.

How to Serve

This stew is a meal in itself, but it loves a good sidekick!

Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, savory broth. A slice of garlic bread or a baguette is perfect.
Grilled Cheese Dippers: Honestly, what is better than dipping a gooey grilled cheese sandwich into a tomato-based soup or stew? It’s the ultimate nostalgia pairing.
Simple Side Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this stew are fantastic, perhaps even better the next day! Place cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Be aware that non-dairy cream like coconut cream may separate slightly upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating should bring it back together.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bean in this stew?

Absolutely! White beans are perfect here, but you can definitely swap them out. Navy beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas (garbanzo beans) will work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot to remove the excess starch and sodium, ensuring your stew’s flavor is clean and bright. The key is to use a hearty, creamy bean that holds its shape well during the long simmer time.

2. How can I make this dish richer or more creamy?

If you want an even more decadent consistency, there are a couple of tricks you can use. First, make sure you use full-fat coconut cream (the thick part from a can of refrigerated coconut milk) or a high-quality heavy cream substitute. Alternatively, before adding the cream, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer some to a regular blender) to blend about a quarter of the stew—the mashed beans and veggies will act as a natural, healthy thickener.

3. Is this a good recipe for meal prepping?

Yes, this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is excellent for meal prepping! It holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator and even improves in flavor overnight as the spices and aromatics meld further. Since it’s quick to reheat and very filling, it makes a perfect lunch or dinner option for the week. Just store it in single-serving, airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

4. Can I add meat or other vegetables to this stew?

Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and plays well with others. If you want to add meat, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked Italian sausage are fantastic additions. For more veggies, try adding diced zucchini or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery, or perhaps some chopped kale at the end instead of spinach. Just remember to adjust your seasoning accordingly if you add more ingredients.