If you’re like me and adore cozy, satisfying meals that come together quickly, this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe is definitely one to add to your weeknight rotation. It’s packed with rich tomato flavor and a velvety texture from the creaminess of vegan cream cheese, making it feel indulgent without being heavy. I love that it’s plant-powered, hearty, and perfect for when you want something nourishing but also fuss-free.

What really makes this recipe special is how versatile it is — whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or need a quick comfort meal that hits all the right notes, this stew answers the call. The white beans add that lovely protein punch and give it a soul-satisfying thickness, while the fresh basil and lemon juice bring brightness that I crave. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe, you’ll find yourself going back to it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients harmonize beautifully to deliver a stew that’s creamy, tangy, and a little savory all at once. When shopping, look for ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness and good-quality vegan cream cheese to nail that luscious texture.

Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base—slice thinly so it softens evenly.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the stew’s tomato flavor; halving them helps release juices faster.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic amps up the savory notes—don’t skimp here!
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give a concentrated tomato punch and a slight chewiness that’s delightful.
Tomato paste: Deepens the color and intensifies the tomato richness.
Cannelini beans (or other white beans): Protein-packed and creamy, they make the stew hearty.
Vegetable broth: Look for a low-sodium version to control the salt balance.
Arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or cornstarch: These thicken the stew without clumping — I prefer arrowroot for a silkier finish.
Baby greens (arugula or spinach): They wilt beautifully into the stew adding freshness and a subtle peppery touch.
Vegan cream cheese: Provides creamy texture; feel free to swap with coconut or cashew cream if preferred.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors just right.
Small lemon, juiced: A splash of lemon juice perks up all the flavors at the end.
Fresh basil: Adds fragrant herbal brightness as a finishing touch.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I encourage you to make it your own and experiment with different add-ins or swaps!

Spicy Kick: I’ve added a pinch of red pepper flakes sometimes when I want a little warmth. It transforms the stew into a cozy, spicy hug.
Non-Vegan Version: If you’re not avoiding dairy, a spoonful of sour cream or regular cream cheese works beautifully for that creamy touch.
Seasonal Greens: In cooler months, kale or chard works well instead of baby spinach or arugula, adding nice texture.
Chunkier Texture: I’ve tossed in some chopped zucchini or bell peppers for more veggie variety and crunch.

How to Make Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics and tomatoes

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent—think about 5 minutes. Then toss in your minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and cook until the cherry tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices, about 7-8 minutes. This step builds a wonderful flavor base, so don’t rush it—letting those tomatoes break down is key!

Step 2: Add tomato paste and beans

Next, stir in the tomato paste, coating the veggies for a deeper, concentrated taste. Pour in the drained and rinsed white beans, giving them a good mix with the tomato mixture. This layer of texture from the beans starts turning the dish hearty and stew-like — exactly what you want.

Step 3: Pour in broth and thicken

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together your arrowroot starch (or preferred starch) with a splash of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew. This thickens the broth perfectly without lumps. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the stew becomes creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Stir in greens and cream cheese

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the baby greens—you want them to wilt but keep their vibrant color. Add the vegan cream cheese last, swirling it through until the stew feels luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and don’t forget to brighten everything with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe

Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For me, fresh basil is a non-negotiable garnish—it adds that herby fragrance and a pop of color that makes the dish feel fancy, even on a busy weeknight. Sometimes I also sprinkle a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra richness.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices or a simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. It also goes well over rice or quinoa if you want to bulk it up even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Serve the stew in wide shallow bowls with the fresh basil and maybe some edible flowers for an elegant touch. Alternatively, spoon it into small ramekins as individual servings for a cozy dinner party—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The stew actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have mingled, so this recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want to reheat something fast.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, a little vegetable broth or water helps get it back to the perfect creamy consistency. Microwave works fine too, just cover and stir midway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are classic for their creamy texture and mild flavor, you can swap in great northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Just keep in mind different beans may affect the stew’s texture slightly.
Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?

Yes, the entire Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your vegetable broth and tomato paste labels to avoid any hidden gluten. Also, use cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch for thickening instead of flour.
How can I make the stew less creamy if I prefer a brothier dish?

If you like your stew more soupy, just reduce or omit the vegan cream cheese and add a bit more vegetable broth. You can always save the cream cheese for dolloping on individual servings instead.
Can I prepare this stew in advance?

Definitely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Store it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving. Just add fresh basil and lemon juice at the last minute for the best brightness.
What type of vegan cream cheese do you recommend?

I usually go for a plain, mild vegan cream cheese brand that melts well and has a smooth texture. If you want an even lighter option or different flavor, coconut cream or homemade cashew cream works wonderfully too!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s so effortlessly satisfying and nourishing. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—especially on those nights when you want something that feels homemade and cozy without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become your new favorite too!