Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans

(6)

Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.

  • These creamy beans come together in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
  • Spinach is a good source of vitamin K to help keep your bones strong.
  • You’ll get all the cozy, creamy flavors of spanakopita, plus beans for extra protein.
Ingredients for a dish including beans spinach feta and spices arranged on a countertop

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (from ½ large onion)

  • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (about tablespoons)

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish

  • 1 (10-ounce) package baby spinach

  • 1 cup unsalted vegetable broth

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed

  • cups crumbled feta cheese, divided

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (about ½ cup)

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus grated zest for garnish

  • teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Multigrain pita chips, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a broiler-safe large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup onion; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 7 minutes. Add chopped garlic and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    A skillet with sauted onion and seasonings being stirred with a red spatula on a marble countertop

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

  3. Add 10 ounces baby spinach in batches; cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 6 minutes. Stir in 1 cup broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; stir in the rinsed beans, ¾ cup feta, 4 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons each parsley and dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Cooking a mixture of white beans and greens in a skillet with a red spatula

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

  4. Sprinkle with the remaining ¾ cup feta and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to the oven and bake until bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil; broil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley, dill, crushed red pepper and/or lemon zest, if desired. Serve with multigrain pita chips, if desired.

    Recipe image of Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

EatingWell.com, September 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

380 Calories
22g Fat
31g Carbs
17g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1 cup
Calories 380
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 17g 34%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 53%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Vitamin A 398µg
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 21%
Folate 184µg
Vitamin K 258µg
Sodium 475mg 21%
Calcium 345mg 27%
Iron 5mg 28%
Magnesium 107mg 26%
Potassium 897mg 19%
Zinc 3mg 25%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.