Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

This hearty white bean and pesto bake is the ultimate winter comfort food. After making it many times, I’ve perfected the recipe to ensure a creamy, cozy dish every time. The trick I discovered is to use cannellini beans for their creaminess. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth, cozy casserole that’s better than takeout. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this with my Buffalo Chicken Dip and Pair with my Spicy Salmon Salad Sandwich.

What You'll Need for Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 1 cup pesto
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Basil
• Oregano
• Optional: Fresh basil
• Optional: Crushed red pepper
• Optional: Grated Parmesan

How to Make Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

1. Sauté onion and garlic: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Blend pesto and cream: In a food processor, combine pesto and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, pesto cream mixture, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.
4. Bake: Transfer the bean mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Storing & Reheating Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Yes, see pro tips.

Freezing Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the heavy cream and use vegetable broth instead.
• Best substitution: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for cannellini beans.
• Make-ahead: See pro tips.
• Scaling: This recipe can be doubled for a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too thick, add a little more broth or water before baking.

Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 1 cup pesto
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

Seasonings

• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Basil
• Oregano

Optional Toppings

• Fresh basil
• Crushed red pepper
• Grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Blend pesto and cream: In a food processor, combine pesto and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, pesto cream mixture, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.
4. Bake: Transfer the bean mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the heavy cream and use vegetable broth instead.
• Best substitution: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for cannellini beans.
• Make-ahead: See pro tips.
• Scaling: This recipe can be doubled for a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the casserole is too thick, add a little more broth or water before baking.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Make ahead: Yes, see pro tips.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sat. Fat: 12g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Hearty White Bean and Pesto Bake for Cozy Winter Nights and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!