Name: Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, sliced; 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups baby greens (baby arugula or spinach); ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced, to garnish; 1 small lemon, juiced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1¼ cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup vegan cream cheese (or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream)

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, creamy stew that feels like a hug in a bowl, and that’s exactly what this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe delivers. It’s rich, velvety, full of fresh flavors from tomatoes and herbs, and packed with hearty white beans that keep you satisfied without feeling heavy. I find it’s the perfect dish for cozy dinners when you want something wholesome but not complicated.

What makes this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe really stand out, in my opinion, is that creamy texture without any dairy. Using vegan cream cheese or a nut-based cream gives it that smooth mouthfeel, making it special yet still light. Whether you’re cooking for vegans or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your rotation, this stew fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but work together to create a stew that’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with fresh, savory notes. When picking them up, look for the ripest cherry tomatoes and the creamiest vegan cream cheese or your favorite plant-based alternative to get the best results.

Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that gently caramelizes for depth.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the creamy elements nicely.
Garlic cloves: For that essential savory kick that brings everything together.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add an intense tomato flavor and a little chew for texture.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, making the stew rich and vibrant.
Cannelini beans: Creamy white beans provide protein and make the stew filling.
Vegetable broth: Use a good-quality broth to build flavor without overpowering the stew.
Arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch: This helps thicken the stew to that perfect creamy consistency.
Baby greens (arugula or spinach): Adds freshness and a subtle peppery bite.
Vegan cream cheese/coconut cream/cashew cream: For creaminess that doesn’t weigh you down.
Salt and pepper: To taste — essential for balancing flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the stew and balances the richness.
Fresh basil: The finishing touch for fresh herbaceous aroma and flavor.

Variations

I love making this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe my own by switching up ingredients based on what’s on hand or what I’m craving. It’s a forgiving recipe that invites experimentation, so feel free to play around with it!

Add spicy heat: I sometimes toss in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, which pairs surprisingly well with the creamy texture.
Swap white beans: If you don’t have cannellini beans, chickpeas or butter beans work great too and add a nice variation in texture.
Seasonal greens: During colder months, kale or Swiss chard can replace baby greens, giving the stew an earthy twist.
Use different creams: Coconut cream gives a tropical flair, while cashew cream blends smoothly and keeps it neutral.
Make it chunkier: Adding roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers makes the stew heartier and adds more layers of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by heating a bit of oil in your pan over medium heat and adding the sliced yellow onions. Cook them gently until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize — about 6 to 8 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This step builds a flavorful base, so don’t rush it! Stir often to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.

Step 2: Add fresh tomatoes and tomato paste

Once your aromatics are smelling delicious, add the halved cherry tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Cook them down for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the paste is nicely incorporated. This process deepens that tomato flavor and gives the stew a luscious red base.

Step 3: Stir in beans and broth

Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to marry the flavors and soften everything up.

Step 4: Thicken and soften with cream and greens

Mix the starch (arrowroot, tapioca, or cornstarch) with a little cold water to make a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering stew, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once it starts to thicken, add the baby greens and vegan cream cheese (or your cream substitute). Stir until the greens are just wilted and the cream cheese melts completely, creating that dreamy creamy texture.

Step 5: Season and brighten

Finish by adding salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — that brightness from the lemon really lifts the stew and balances out the creaminess.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always top this stew with plenty of fresh basil slices because the herbal aroma complements the tomato beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of extra flair and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic naan to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. On lighter days, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the stew in individual rustic bowls and sprinkle them with toasted pine nuts or a dollop of herbed vegan yogurt for an elegant touch. You can also layer the stew over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to make it feel extra cozy and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where this stew holds up beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it taste like you cooked it fresh the second time around!

Freezing

This stew freezes really well, which is a lifesaver when I make big batches. Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note the creaminess may separate slightly but a quick stir while warming fixes that right up.

Reheating

I usually reheat this stew gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and maintain that silky texture. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water can revive the creaminess if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are classic for their creamy texture, you can substitute chickpeas, butter beans, or even navy beans with great results. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding.
What if I don’t have vegan cream cheese?

No worries — coconut cream or cashew cream are fantastic alternatives that provide similar creaminess. You can also blend soaked cashews with a bit of water for a quick homemade cream.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?

This stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the vegetable broth and starch you’re using. Arrowroot, tapioca, and cornstarch are all gluten-free options for thickening.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors develop deeper if you make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it needs loosening.
Is this stew suitable for freezing?

Definitely. The Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe freezes well. Just be mindful that the cream component might separate a bit, but reheating with a good stir will bring it back.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s straightforward, wholesome, and flexible enough to fit all kinds of diets and moods. If you’re craving something both nourishing and cozy, this stew will not disappoint — give it a try and enjoy every creamy, tomatoey spoonful!