1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Tuscan Bean Stew

Tuscan Bean Stew

Featured in Hearty Soups & Comforting Stews.

This comforting Tuscan-style dish blends creamy coconut milk with sun-dried tomatoes for a non-dairy rich base. Featuring white beans, fresh spinach, and pasta, it’s a balanced one-pot meal. Ideal for busy nights and slow cooking, it’s an easy, wholesome twist on Italian comfort food.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.
Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:49:42 GMT
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Stew Slow Cooker Pin it
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Stew Slow Cooker | kyliecook.com

This soul-warming Tuscan Bean Soup blends velvety coconut milk with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, soft cannellini beans, and bright spinach in one simple slow-cooker dish. This Italian-inspired bowl shows how non-dairy cooking can deliver deeply luxurious soups that hit the spot when temperatures drop.

I've tried tons of plant-based creamers, and nothing beats thick coconut milk for creating that silky texture without fighting the Italian flavor profile. The first batch I made filled my home with such amazing smells, I knew it would be my go-to winter comfort food.

Key Components

  • Thick coconut milk : Delivers smooth richness without dairy products
  • Sun-dried tomatoes : Brings deep savory intensity
  • Cannellini beans : Offers protein and buttery texture
  • Fresh spinach : Adds vibrant color and health benefits
  • Italian herbs : Delivers authentic Tuscan character
  • Rotini pasta : Holds onto the smooth sauce perfectly

Step-By-Step Process

Step 1: Creating Your Foundation
Cook onions till they're soft and aromatic. Mix coconut milk with sun-dried tomatoes. Put everything in your slow cooker and let it simmer on low to develop deep flavors.
Step 2: Timing Additional Elements
Mix in pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Toss in fresh spinach right at the end. Taste and tweak seasoning before serving.
Step 3: Final Adjustments
Make sure pasta has the right bite. Thin out the soup if needed. Sprinkle fresh herbs for a pop of flavor and add salt and pepper to taste.
Crockpot Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta Pin it
Crockpot Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta | kyliecook.com

My nonna would raise an eyebrow at coconut milk in a traditional Tuscan dish, but even she'd have to admit how incredibly rich and fulfilling it turns out.

Smart Storage

When making ahead, cook your pasta on the side and add it when you're ready to eat so it stays just right. The base can be frozen up to 6 months with no problems.

Perfect Pairings

Grab some rustic bread to soak up every last drop, or go with a tangy Caesar salad for contrast.

Bottom line: This Tuscan White Bean Soup shows that plant-based cooking doesn't mean giving up comfort food classics. The mix of smooth coconut milk, tender beans, and fresh veggies creates something that's good for you and satisfying too. Whether you can't have dairy or just want something tasty, this soup brings Italian comfort in every spoonful.

Crockpot Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta Recipe Pin it
Crockpot Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta Recipe | kyliecook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out the beans for another kind?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cannellini beans, try great northern or navy beans. They’ll keep the smooth texture.
→ Is light coconut milk okay to use?
It works, but full-fat coconut milk brings a thicker, creamier finish that’s more satisfying.
→ How do I keep the pasta from going soft?
Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before eating, especially if there will be leftovers.
→ Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, but leave out the spinach and pasta until reheating. Add fresh ones for the best taste and texture.
→ What’s a good replacement for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, mix in tomato paste with a touch of sugar as an alternative.

Tuscan Bean Stew

A smooth, hearty Tuscan-inspired white bean stew. Made with coconut milk, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it's vegan and crockpot-friendly.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
135 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Warm & Nourishing

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 medium onion (yellow), finely chopped
02 1 teaspoon of olive oil
03 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, without excess oil
05 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs
06 1 (14oz) can of rich coconut milk
07 1 teaspoon of salt

→ Other Ingredients

08 2 (19oz) cans of white beans, rinsed well and drained
09 3 cups of reduced-salt vegetable stock
10 1 (28oz) can of tomatoes, diced, with herbs
11 Salt and pepper as needed
12 2 cups of spinach, chopped
13 1 cup of whole wheat or classic rotini pasta (use gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

Step 01

Warm olive oil on medium heat in a pan and saute onion for 3-4 minutes until tender and aromatic. If your slow cooker allows, you can use its saute option.

Step 02

Blend garlic, coconut milk, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs until everything is smooth.

Step 03

Place the onion and the blended mixture in the slow cooker along with diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Set on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Step 04

Switch to high heat for the last half hour and drop in the pasta. Stir in spinach during the last 5 minutes. Adjust flavors with salt and pepper to your taste.

Notes

  1. Using a small blender helps get a silky coconut milk blend.
  2. Cut spinach into smaller pieces if you want it more kid-friendly.
  3. Soup will become thicker as it cools—feel free to mix in a splash of broth.
  4. If prepping ahead, cook pasta separately and add it when serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • A frying pan for sauteing (if slow cooker doesn't have this feature)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 434
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 19 g