Creamy Corn and White Bean Skillet — Quick, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed
Looking for a quick, hearty, and satisfying skillet meal that’s packed with flavor and vegetables? This Creamy Corn and White Bean Skillet is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a simple cozy lunch. Sweet corn, tender white beans, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs come together in one pan for a dish that’s rich, wholesome, and completely comforting.
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but you can easily add cooked chicken or bacon if you want extra protein. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a must-have recipe for any busy kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Can easily make vegan with a few substitutions
- Flexible: Add extra veggies or protein as desired
- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need
For about 4 servings, you’ll need the following:
| Component | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base & Aromatics | 1 medium onion, diced | flavor base |
| 2-3 cloves garlic, minced | aromatic boost | |
| 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter | sautéing | |
| Vegetables & Beans | 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) | sweetness and texture |
| 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained & rinsed | adds protein and creaminess | |
| Optional: 1 small bell pepper, diced | color & crunch | |
| Creamy Sauce | 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (dairy or non-dairy) | creamy base |
| 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water | thins sauce slightly if needed | |
| 1 tablespoon cream cheese or vegan alternative | optional, adds richness | |
| Seasonings & Herbs | Salt & black pepper, to taste | essential seasoning |
| 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika | optional, adds warmth | |
| 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning | herbal note | |
| Optional: pinch of chili flakes | for gentle heat | |
| Garnishes | Fresh parsley or chives, chopped | fresh flavor & color |
| Grated Parmesan or shredded cheese | optional richness |
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn.
- If using bell pepper, add it now and cook until slightly softened.
Step 2: Add Corn & Beans
- Stir in corn kernels and drained white beans. Cook for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme (or Italian seasoning). Stir to combine and coat vegetables and beans with the seasoning.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
- Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine.
- If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
Step 4: Taste & Adjust
- Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning as needed — more salt, pepper, or a dash of chili flakes for heat.
- Optional: Sprinkle grated cheese over the top, cover for a minute to melt.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Serve warm directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
- Enjoy on its own, or pair with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Corn and White Bean Skillet
- Use fresh corn if available: Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch. Frozen works fine — just thaw and drain excess water.
- Don’t overcook beans: Beans just need warming; overcooking can make them mushy.
- Adjust creaminess: For a thinner sauce, add more milk or broth. For thicker, simmer a little longer.
- One-pan clean-up: Stir occasionally but avoid excessive stirring to keep beans intact.
- Optional protein: Add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for a non-vegetarian version.
Recipe Variations
| Variation | How to Customize |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Use non-dairy milk/cream and vegan cream cheese. Skip cheese garnish. |
| Spicy | Add jalapeño or red pepper flakes. |
| Extra Veggies | Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition. |
| Cheesy | Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer dish. |
| Meal Prep Friendly | Make ahead and store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk. |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or farro for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrients.
- Add warm tortillas or crusty bread to scoop up every bit of creamy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezing: Not ideal with dairy-based cream; for freezing, omit cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
Make-ahead: Cook beans and corn ahead of time. Store separately if desired and combine with cream just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned corn?
Yes, drained canned corn works fine. Fresh or frozen corn yields the best flavor.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — no wheat ingredients are included. Ensure broth is gluten-free if needed.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely — add chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or hot paprika when sautéing.
Q: Can I add protein?
Yes — cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage can be stirred in for extra heartiness.
Q: How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stove or microwave with extra liquid if needed.
Approximate Recipe Card
Creamy Corn and White Bean Skillet
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
- Garnishes: parsley, chives, grated cheese
Instructions:
- Heat oil/butter, sauté onion 4–5 min.
- Add garlic and bell pepper, cook 30–60 sec.
- Stir in corn and beans; season.
- Pour in cream + broth; add cream cheese if using. Simmer 5–7 min.
- Adjust seasoning; garnish and serve warm.
This Creamy Corn and White Bean Skillet is hearty, simple, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s cozy, filling, and customizable to suit any taste.
