White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

These White Beans in Tomato Sauce are so simple, yet so delicious! Cannellini beans cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and chicken broth make for one tasty side dish. It’s perfect for holidays or easy weeknight meals!

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Cannellini Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe

I could always use more easy side dishes to add to the rotation, especially around the holidays. Something simple, but incredibly delicious. This white bean recipe is exactly that! It only takes about 20-30 minutes to make, but it’s filled with flavor. The mix of beans, tomatoes, garlic, and more just tastes so good!

Variations on Beans in Tomato Sauce

These white beans in tomato sauce are so simple and delicious! For a smoother sauce, try using crushed tomatoes instead of diced. You can also season your sauce with a variety of herbs and spices, like rosemary or thyme. Just about any aromatic herb pairs great with white beans. Stir in a little bit of warmed heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy version!

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover white beans in tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze white beans in tomato sauce in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these white beans hot topped with bacon bits if you want, and drizzle some more olive oil over the top. Throw in some nice crusty rosemary bread for dipping and you’ve really got it made.

What is the difference between white beans and cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans are a type of white bean. Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans are also included in the white bean category.

Should you drain canned white beans?

Yes, you should drain off the excess preserving liquid in the canned beans to keep the sauce from turning out gummy and unpleasant tasting.

Why do you rinse canned white beans?

Rinsing the beans reduces their sodium content by about 40%, which helps us to balance the saltiness of the dish more precisely.

Are white beans in tomato sauce healthy?

Yes, this dish is a great source of fiber and iron, as well as a good source of protein!

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

More Bean Recipes To Try

  • Baked Beans
  • Refried Beans
  • BBQ Baked Beans
  • Ham and Bean Soup
  • Red Beans and Rice
  • 3 Bean Salad
  • Parmesan and White Bean Soup

5-Star Review

“Even my mother in law loved this!” – Linda

Recipe

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe

4.63 from 137 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 20 minutes minutes

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves8

Print Rate

Save Shop our store

White Beans in Tomato Sauce is the perfect savory side dish. It goes with everything and tastes amazing. You're going to love it!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • cup olive oil plus more for serving
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced thin
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes drained (1 large can)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 32 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed (2 (16-ounce) cans)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
  • Cooked bacon crumbles optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat.

    ⅓ cup olive oil

  • Add the sage and sliced garlic. Shake the pan so the garlic doesn’t stick, but don’t stir it because the garlic might clump.

    ¼ cup chopped fresh sage leaves, 4 cloves garlic

    White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the garlic turns very light gold and the sage darkens a bit.

  • Add the tomatoes and salt. Simmer, stirring often, until the tomatoes are shiny and their juices have evaporated; 8-10 minutes.

    28 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt

    White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Add the pepper, sugar, and chicken broth, stirring often, and bring the broth to a boil.

    ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

    White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Reduce heat to low, add the beans, simmer (stirring often) until the liquid has evaporated, 18-20 minutes.

    32 ounces cannellini beans

    White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

  • Remove the beans/tomatoes from the heat and stir in the parsley. Season, if needed, with more salt and pepper.

    2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves

  • Serve with extra olive oil for drizzling and a sprinkle of crispy bacon (optional).

    Cooked bacon crumbles

    White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.

Storage:Store white beans in tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 188kcal (9%) Carbohydrates: 23g (8%) Protein: 8g (16%) Fat: 9g (14%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 7g Sodium: 686mg (30%) Potassium: 227mg (6%) Fiber: 7g (29%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 201IU (4%) Vitamin C: 11mg (13%) Calcium: 108mg (11%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

Upload A PhotoTag on
Insta
Leave A Rating

How to Make White Beans in Tomato Sauce Step by Step

Cook the Sage: Heat ⅓ cup of olive oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh sage and 4 cloves of sliced garlic. Shake the pan so the garlic doesn’t stick, but don’t stir it because the garlic might clump. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the garlic turns very light gold and the sage darkens a bit.

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

Add the Tomatoes: Add 28 ounces (1 large can) of diced tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Simmer, stirring often, until the tomatoes are shiny and their juices have evaporated; 8-10 minutes.

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

Add the Broth: Add ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring often, and bring the broth to a boil.

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

Cook the Beans: Reduce heat to low, add 32 ounces (2 cans) of cannellini beans, and simmer (stirring often) until the liquid has evaporated, 18-20 minutes.

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

Season and Serve: Remove the beans/tomatoes from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley. Season, if needed, with more salt and pepper. Serve with extra olive oil for drizzling and a sprinkle of crispy bacon (optional).

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (19)

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (20)

Claim your free ebook!

Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!

Sign Me Up

White Beans in Tomato Sauce Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Are white beans in tomato sauce healthy? ›

Mash a tin of white beans into your tomato sauce 👌 It's a quick way of adding an extra boost of fibre and plant-protein. It works in this ready, a quick balsamic pasta with spinach and basil, but also with a jar of tomato sauce.

What is the difference between butter beans and cannellini beans? ›

Nutritionally, both butter and cannellini beans are high in protein and fiber and have very similar nutritional profiles. The only noticeable difference is that butter beans contain a small amount of fat while cannellini beans have none.

How many calories are in cannellini beans? ›

One cup of cannellini beans, boiled and cooked without salt, contains 225 calories, 15.4g of protein, 0.9g of fat, 40.4g of carbohydrates, and 0.6g of sugar. Cannellini beans contain a wealth of B vitamins, including B12. They also provide iron, potassium, zinc, and other essential minerals.

Can diabetics eat beans in tomato sauce? ›

Beans are a diabetes superfood, meaning they are an excellent choice for people with diabetes and provide many health and nutritional benefits.

Is it okay to eat baked beans every day? ›

Baked beans are a source of protein and are high in fibre, so are not a bad choice, especially on wholegrain toast or a jacket potato. But they do contain salt and sugar. Too much salt over time can contribute to high blood pressure, while sugar adds energy (calories) without any other nutritional value.

Are baked beans in tomato sauce anti inflammatory? ›

Baked beans offer beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols, as well. These may protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals and inhibit inflammation. Both free radical damage and inflammation have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases ( 6 , 7 ).

Are baked beans in tomato sauce good for cholesterol? ›

Eat legumes

The data showed LDL cholesterol was reduced by 5% in response to eating 130 grams of pulses per day. This is equivalent to one small can or about a third of a 400 gram (large) can of baked beans. Pulses are high in vegetable protein and fibre. They lower blood cholesterol in a number of ways.

Are canned beans in tomato sauce good for you? ›

Including beans and pulses in your diet is also associated with a lower cardiovascular risk and may help balance blood sugar levels. Shop-bought baked beans (canned in tomato sauce) are a quick, easy and cost-effective snack or component of a meal, but don't forget they have added ingredients including salt and sugar.

Which white bean is healthiest? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

What is the best white bean? ›

Great Northern Beans: The Meatiest of the Bunch

Unlike Navy Beans, Great Northern beans retain their shape when they're cooked, making them an excellent candidate for white bean soups and stews or — my own personal favorite – Vegan Cassoulet. Great Northern Beans have a mild, nutty flavor.

Are lima beans the same as white beans? ›

What Are White Beans? White beans as a category includes navy beans, great northern beans, cannellini beans, baby lima beans, butter beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, etc.

Do cannellini beans spike blood sugar? ›

In summary, cannellini beans are full of health perks. Eating them often can greatly improve your protein and fibre intake. They also supply you with key vitamins and minerals. Plus, their low glycemic impact makes them a good choice for managing blood sugar levels.

Which is healthier cannellini beans or Great northern beans? ›

Is There a Nutritional Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans? Though cannellini and great northern beans have about the same calories and protein—110 to 118 calories and around 8 grams of protein per half-cup serving—great northern beans provide a bit more fiber than cannellini beans.

Are baked beans in tomato sauce good for diets? ›

Baked beans are healthy because of their low calorie and high vegetable content. Baked beans are a reliable pantry ingredient. Canned baked beans are cooked in a thick and flavorful tomato sauce. Though there are a variety of beans available, navy beans (a variety of haricot beans) are used to make baked beans.

Are canned white beans healthy? ›

They are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and other essential nutrients, such as folate and potassium. Despite the potential for contamination, canned beans are generally safe to consume and prove to be a convenient and nutritious alternative to dried beans.

Are baked beans in tomato sauce bad for acid reflux? ›

A belly full of high-fat and/or spicy foods slows down the emptying of the stomach and can produce more irritating stomach acid. Tip: Keep it small and simple with foods like light potato salad, grilled chicken or shrimp, baked beans, melons, grilled veggies or a salad. Avoid heavy spices, raw onions, and tomatoes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6164

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.