Creamy Mushroom and White Bean Skillet with Spinach and Burst Tomatoes

March is that in between month for me.

I still want something cozy, but I also want meals to feel lighter, fresher, and easier. I am not looking for heavy food every night, and I definitely do not want a complicated recipe after a long day.

This skillet recipe is exactly the kind of meal I love this time of year.

It is creamy without feeling too heavy, full of flavor, and made with simple ingredients I can keep on hand. The mushrooms bring that rich savory taste, the white beans make it filling, and the spinach and tomatoes brighten everything up.

It is a great recipe when you want something comforting and clean at the same time.

If you are looking for a simple March meal to flex your plant power and thrive beyond 60, this one is a keeper.

Creamy Mushroom and White Bean Skillet with Spinach and Burst Tomatoes

Servings

4 servings

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella work great)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup unsweetened plain oat milk or almond milk
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups baby spinach
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, but very good)

Optional add ins

• Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for a little crunch
• 1 to 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan if you want a flexitarian finish

Instructions

1. Cook the onion and mushrooms
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown.
2. Add garlic and tomatoes
   Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some of them start to soften and burst.
3. Build the creamy sauce
   Add the white beans, oat milk (or almond milk), nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
4. Simmer and thicken
   Let everything simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. As it cooks, lightly mash a small portion of the beans with the back of your spoon to make the skillet naturally creamier.
5. Add the spinach
   Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Finish and season
   Taste and add sea salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle parsley on top if using.
7. Serve
   Serve warm with your favorite side, or enjoy it as a simple bowl on its own.

Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Estimated, based on 4 servings, without optional add ins or side dishes

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 13 g
• Carbs: 34 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: Varies by bean brand and milk used

Healthy Benefits of the Ingredients

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add a deep savory flavor and a meaty texture without meat. They also bring antioxidants and important nutrients like B vitamins, which can support energy metabolism.

White beans

White beans are one of my favorite pantry staples because they add plant protein and fiber in a very simple way. They help make meals more filling and can support digestion and blood sugar balance when paired with vegetables.

Spinach

Spinach brings color, freshness, and a good boost of vitamins and minerals. It is an easy way to get more greens into a warm meal without much extra effort.

Cherry tomatoes

Tomatoes add brightness and natural sweetness to balance the creamy beans and mushrooms. They also bring vitamin C and antioxidants.

Garlic and onion

These two add so much flavor and help make simple meals taste like real comfort food. They are also great staple ingredients for building flavorful plant forward meals.

Olive oil

A little olive oil helps the dish feel satisfying and supports absorption of fat soluble nutrients from the vegetables.

Nutritional yeast

This adds a lightly cheesy flavor without needing a heavy cream sauce. It is a great ingredient for adding depth to simple plant based meals.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is very flexible, which is one reason I love it.

Here are a few easy ways to serve it:

• Over brown rice for a cozy dinner bowl
• Over baked potatoes for a hearty comfort meal
• With whole grain toast for a quick lunch or light dinner
• Over cooked pasta when you want something extra comforting
• Alongside eggs for a flexitarian brunch style plate
• With a simple side salad if you want it lighter

Meal prep tip

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Why This Is a Great March Recipe

March is the month where I want meals to feel both comforting and fresh.

This recipe does that really well.

It is warm and creamy, but not heavy. It is simple enough for a weeknight, but still tastes like something special. And it is easy to customize based on what you have in the fridge.

This is exactly the kind of recipe that helps me stay consistent with healthy eating in real life.

Final Thoughts

You do not need complicated recipes to eat well and enjoy your food.

Sometimes the best meals are the ones built from simple ingredients with good flavor and a little rhythm in the kitchen. This creamy mushroom and white bean skillet is one of those meals for me.

If you make it, let me know how you serve it. I love seeing the little changes people make to fit their own style.

Let’s keep it simple, flex your plant power, and keep building habits that help us thrive beyond 60.

Personal Note and Disclaimer

I share recipes and lifestyle ideas based on my own personal experience and what works in my life. I am not a doctor or licensed health professional. Always use your best judgment and check with your healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns or dietary needs.

Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you have existing conditions or take medication.

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