Amazing Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew (Vegan, 25 Minutes)

I made this stew on a rainy Wednesday, with the windows fogging up and a tired kind of quiet in the kitchen. Something about garlic sizzling in olive oil and tomatoes softening just feels like comfort in motion. If you’re craving something warm, simple, and soul-hugging, this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is the perfect bowl of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Stew

This stew is ready in just 25 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy evenings when you’re low on time but want something nourishing.
It’s packed with flavor from garlic, basil, and bright lemon juice, plus it’s creamy without feeling heavy.
Also, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free all with pantry staples you might already have.

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew hits that cozy, crave-worthy balance of rich tomato flavor and satisfying plant-based protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Staples and Fresh Produce

You’ll start with a sliced yellow onion, minced garlic, and a pint of cherry tomatoes. Let them do their magic in a bit of oil.
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the tomato paste.
Cannellini beans bring the body and heartiness but feel free to switch them out if needed.

Creamy and Savory Essentials

The creamy texture comes from vegan cream cheese, which melts right into the broth.
If you don’t have cream cheese, full-fat coconut milk or blended cashew cream work well too.
Tomato paste brings in a deep umami punch, and starch helps thicken the broth just enough to coat your spoon.

Add-ins and Finishing Touches

A few handfuls of baby greens wilt right into the stew near the end spinach or arugula both work.
Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish, and basil adds that final aromatic lift.
Salt and pepper round everything out, while a drizzle of olive oil adds richness.

What Types of White Beans Work Best?

Cannellini beans are soft, creamy, and hold their shape well. That’s why they’re the go-to here.
However, great northern or navy beans are slightly firmer and just as tasty.
Chickpeas can work in a pinch, though the texture is a little denser.
Butter beans or royal corona beans add a buttery texture if you’re going for extra indulgence.

Each variety gives a slightly different mouthfeel, but all pair beautifully with the tomato base.

How to Make This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by heating oil in a medium saucepan. Add onions and cook them for about 3 minutes.
Then, toss in your cherry tomatoes. Let them soften and burst this takes about 5 minutes.
Next comes the garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Let this mix cook for just a minute to deepen the flavors.

In a separate bowl, whisk your starch with a bit of broth. This step keeps things lump-free later.
Now pour that into the pan with the rest of the broth and your beans. Simmer for 5 minutes until it gently thickens.

Once the base is silky, stir in the vegan cream cheese. Let it melt completely before tossing in your greens.
Let the greens wilt, stir in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Best Results

Always whisk the starch separately — it prevents weird clumps.
Keep an eye on the greens. Overcooked greens lose color and texture fast.
Taste right before serving and adjust seasoning — that final tweak can make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is cozy and versatile. Spoon it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Or ladle it into a bowl and scoop with crusty gluten-free bread or warm flatbread.
Top it off with torn basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a swirl of vegan pesto for extra richness.

It also plays well with a light side like creamy cucumber and tomato salad to serve on the side.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Let leftovers cool before storing. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
When reheating, do so gently over low-medium heat. Stir often and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

It’s not freezer-friendly due to the creamy base, but it makes for a great next-day lunch.

Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

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More Such Recipes

Craving more cozy meals? Try these next:

• These crispy black bean tacos for a protein-packed vegetarian dinner
• Or this tomato zucchini pasta for another tomato-forward comfort dish
• Want a non-vegan option? This one-pot chicken orzo as another quick weeknight meal idea

FAQ

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is warm, filling, and full of flavor and it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
You can make it with whatever white beans or greens you have on hand.
Whether you serve it over grains or with bread, it’s the kind of meal that soothes and satisfies.

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