When it comes to comfort food that warms both your heart and your belly, nothing beats a bowl of Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew. Packed with the richness of tangy tomatoes, creamy white beans, and a silky vegan base, this dish is a true celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy lunch or need a speedy weeknight dinner, you’ll find that this stew delivers big on both taste and simplicity. Fresh basil, bright lemon, and hearty greens take every spoonful to a new level. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, so you can feel great about savoring this bowl—again and again!

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its balance of simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient in this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew is thoughtfully chosen for its contribution—juicy tomatoes for acidity, creamy beans for richness, and fresh herbs for that burst of green. Don’t skip anything; each element brings something delightful to the stew.

Yellow onion: Sliced for gentle sweetness and the perfect aromatic foundation.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for lovely pops of tang and color in every bite.
Garlic: Minced for deep, savory undertones that perfume the whole dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for concentrated flavor and a touch of chewiness.
Tomato paste: Adds depth, thickness, and that robust, umami tomato essence.
Cannelini beans (or other white beans): Drained, rinsed, and ready to give the stew its creamy, filling backbone.
Vegetable broth: Lends moisture and enhances all the savory notes (go for low sodium if preferred).
Arrowroot starch (or tapioca/cornstarch): Whisked with broth to thicken the stew to luscious, spoon-coating perfection.
Baby greens (arugula or spinach): Stirred in at the end for brightness and extra nutrition.
Vegan cream cheese (or coconut/cashew cream): The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture.
Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing in the perfect taste at the end.
Lemon juice: Squeeze in a small one for a zingy finish that enlivens the whole stew.
Fresh basil: Sliced to sprinkle on top, adding freshness and color right before serving.
Avocado or olive oil (for sautéing): Just a tablespoon is enough to start things off with a silky base.

How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your sliced yellow onion and let it sizzle for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. When you add the halved cherry tomatoes, let them cook alongside the onion for another five minutes until they’re tender and bursting with juiciness. Stir often—the smells at this stage are truly irresistible!

Step 2: Add the Flavor Bombs

Next, it’s time for the holy trinity of flavor boosters: minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add these in and stir constantly for about a minute. The garlic will release its fragrance, the sun-dried tomatoes will plump up, and the tomato paste will turn a shade deeper. This quick, savory bloom sets the scene for a knockout Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew base!

Step 3: Thicken the Broth

In a separate small bowl, whisk together your arrowroot starch (or preferred thickener) with just a splash of your vegetable broth until smooth. This little step ensures you don’t end up with lumps in the stew. Once combined, mix it back into the rest of the vegetable broth—it’ll make the broth subtly silky without muting any tomato flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with Beans

Pour the now-luscious broth into your saucepan and add the drained, rinsed white beans. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for about five minutes. You’ll notice the broth growing thicker and more luxurious as the beans absorb all those tomato flavors. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Green

Now comes the magic: stir in your vegan cream cheese (or alternative). It’ll melt straight into the stew, transforming it from hearty to utterly decadent. Next, tumble in the baby greens. They’ll wilt in just about a minute, keeping their color while adding a lovely green edge. Finally, squeeze in your fresh lemon juice for zing and adjust the seasoning one last time.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Ladle your Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew into big bowls and shower with plenty of fresh basil. Enjoy immediately for optimal coziness and flavor!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew

Garnishes

For that classic finish, scatter sliced fresh basil over each bowl just before serving. A quick twist of cracked black pepper or an extra drizzle of olive oil will also bring a bit more vibrance to the top. If you love a creamy swirl, a dollop of vegan yogurt or extra cream cheese can make every bite even richer.

Side Dishes

A slice of rustic sourdough or toasted baguette is perfect for dipping and scooping up the last bits of stew. Alternatively, heap the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or even a bed of steamed farro for a more substantial meal. If you’re after something light, serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the stew into small mugs or ramekins for a dinner party starter, or ladle it over roasted sweet potatoes for a filling twist. It’s gorgeous served in shallow bowls with a swirl of basil oil on top or even tucked into a toasted bread bowl for ultimate comfort food vibes. However you serve it, the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew looks and tastes like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this stew are pure gold! Simply transfer any Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew you haven’t devoured into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for lunch or a no-fuss dinner later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this stew. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The texture of the beans and greens holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

To reheat, spoon the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew into a saucepan and warm gently over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. If the stew seems a little thick after chilling, add a splash of water or extra broth until it’s beautifully creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! While cannelini beans are tender and creamy, you can swap in navy beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas. Each brings a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment based on what you have in your pantry.

Is this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is entirely gluten-free, especially when prepared with arrowroot or cornstarch for thickening. Just double-check that your broth and vegan cream cheese are gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.

How can I make this stew even richer?

If you’re craving more decadence, use full-fat coconut cream or an extra couple tablespoons of vegan cream cheese. A finishing swirl of olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts on top can also boost the luxurious feel.

What’s the best way to meal prep this stew?

You can easily double the recipe and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. Chop the veggies in advance and store them airtight, so cooking is effortless later in the week. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious!

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of frozen peas would blend beautifully with the base. Just add firmer veggies earlier so they soften up nicely as the Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew simmers.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Once you try Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew, I have a feeling you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation. Grab a bowl, gather your favorite toppings, and savor every spoonful—you’re in for a delicious treat!