Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew: Irresistible 30-Minute Meal

Name: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1¼ cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch; 2 cups baby spinach or arugula; ¼ cup vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, or cashew cream; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Juice of 1 small lemon; ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years in the kitchen, it’s this: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is the kind of recipe that shows up exactly when you need it most. You know the nights I’m talking about—long day, zero energy, and everyone’s hungry right now. This stew is warm, comforting, and feels like a small act of self-care in a bowl.

It’s rich without being heavy, creamy without a ton of effort, and packed with pantry staples you probably already have. Best of all? It comes together in about 30 minutes and only uses one pot. That alone earns it a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or just future-you who wants leftovers tomorrow, this stew is a lifesaver.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Let me count the ways—because this one truly delivers:

Weeknight-friendly: Minimal chopping, no fancy steps, and done fast.
Creamy and comforting: Without needing heavy cream.
Plant-based and budget-friendly: Beans + tomatoes = magic.
Flexible: Serve it with rice, toast, quinoa, or just a spoon.
Leftovers taste even better: Hello, easy lunch tomorrow.

This is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your shoulders relax a little while it simmers.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s what goes into this cozy pot of goodness—and why each ingredient matters:

Yellow onion – The flavor base. Don’t rush this step; let it soften.
Cherry tomatoes – They add sweetness and burst into a saucy texture.
Garlic – Because comfort food without garlic feels suspicious.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Small but mighty. They deepen the tomato flavor.
Tomato paste – Adds richness and that slow-cooked taste in minutes.
Cannellini beans – Creamy, filling, and the heart of the stew.
Vegetable broth – Keeps everything savory and cozy.
Arrowroot starch (or cornstarch) – Helps thicken things just right.
Baby greens – Spinach or arugula adds color and freshness.
Vegan cream cheese – The secret to that dreamy, creamy finish.
Lemon juice – A splash at the end wakes everything up.
Fresh basil – Optional, but highly encouraged for that final touch.
Salt & pepper – Always to taste.

Simple ingredients, big payoff.

How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

This is a low-stress, one-pot situation. Put on some music, grab a wooden spoon, and let’s cook.

Step 1: Build the flavor base

Heat a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it starts to soften.

Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often. They’ll soften, release their juices, and start forming a saucy base.

Step 2: Bring on the flavor boosters

Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This step adds that “been simmering all day” vibe.

Step 3: Thicken the broth

In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a splash of the vegetable broth until smooth. Add that mixture back into the remaining broth.

Pour the broth into the saucepan and add the drained beans. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Make it creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully melted and creamy. This is where the stew transforms into something extra comforting.

Step 5: Finish strong

Add the baby greens and cook for about a minute, just until wilted. Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Top with fresh basil and take a moment to admire your work—you just made a bowl of cozy.

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew garnished with fresh basil in a white bowl — This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is finished with fresh basil for a bright, cozy, and comforting dinner.

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is wonderfully versatile:

Spoon it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
Serve with thick, crusty toast (highly recommended)
Enjoy it as-is for a light but satisfying dinner
Pair it with a simple side salad for balance

Honestly? I’ve eaten it straight from the pot while standing at the counter. No judgment here.

Helpful Tips From My Kitchen

Too thick? Add a splash of broth.
Too thin? Let it simmer another minute or two—it’ll thicken up.
No vegan cream cheese? Coconut cream or cashew cream works beautifully.
Want heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders.
Meal prep win: It stores well and reheats like a dream.

And remember—if your stew looks a little thicker than expected, that’s not a problem. That’s extra comfort.

A Little Personal Note

This stew saved me during one of those weeks where everything felt like too much—work deadlines, laundry piling up, and zero mental energy left for cooking. I threw this together with what I had, and it instantly felt like a warm hug in a bowl.

Now, it’s one of those recipes I come back to when I want something nourishing without thinking too hard. And those are often the meals we love the most.

FAQs About Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely. Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas will work.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and starch are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Of course. Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.

A Cozy Bowl Worth Repeating

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly comforting—and Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew checks every box. It’s the kind of meal that fits into real life, busy schedules, and those nights when you just want something warm and dependable.

I hope this stew brings a little calm and comfort to your table, just like it does to mine. Grab a spoon, cozy up, and enjoy every creamy bite.

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew served with spinach and crusty toast — A warm bowl of Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew loaded with tender beans, wilted greens, and rich tomato flavor.

More Cozy Bowls to Keep You Warm

If this creamy stew hit the spot, there are plenty of other comforting recipes on the site that bring the same cozy, nourishing energy to your table. Whether you’re sticking with plant-forward meals or just craving another warm bowl, these are wonderful options to try next, along with a lovely outside source for even more inspiration:

Tuscan White Bean Soup for cozy meatless nights – Another bean-based favorite that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect when you want something simple but deeply satisfying.
Creamy Vegetable Soup packed with everyday veggies – A great choice if you loved the creamy texture of this stew and want an easy way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Winter Salad Recipe that balances rich, cozy dinners – Ideal for adding a fresh, crisp contrast alongside warm, tomato-based dishes like this one.
Vegetable Orzo Soup for easy, nourishing dinners – Light yet filling, this soup is another weeknight-friendly option when you’re in the mood for something spoonable and comforting.
Creamy vegan tomato white bean stew inspiration – A great place to explore a slightly different take on the same cozy flavor combination if you love seeing how others put their own spin on this classic.

These recipes all share that same warm, comforting feel—perfect for keeping your meal plans easy, cozy, and full of flavor all week long.