Creamy White Beans With Spinach-Walnut Pesto
This comforting Italian-inspired bowl pairs creamy cannellini beans with a vibrant homemade spinach and walnut pesto. It's a quick, nourishing dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min
Makes
2 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Food processor · Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
For the Beans
For the Pesto
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 5 steps complete
Next: Combine the baby spinach
- 01
Combine the baby spinach
In a food processor, combine the baby spinach, fresh basil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, the juice of half the lemon, the garlic clove, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Pulse the mixture while drizzling in the…
Pulse the mixture while drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil until a coarse, vibrant green paste forms.
Look for: a coarse, vibrant green paste forms
Tap card to mark done - 03
Rinse and drain the cannellini beans
Rinse and drain the cannellini beans. Add them to a 10-inch skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. Warm gently for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
Look for: heated through
Tap card to mark done - 04
Remove the skillet from the heat
Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold the pesto into the warm beans until they are thickly coated and creamy.
Look for: they are thickly coated and creamy
Tap card to mark done - 05
Divide into two bowls
Divide into two bowls. Garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes and serve with the remaining lemon cut into wedges.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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