Creamy Spinach White Bean quesadillas have become my go-to for a quick, satisfying meal that feels incredibly wholesome. I first stumbled upon this creamy white bean and spinach recipe when I was desperate for a weeknight dinner that didn’t involve hours in the kitchen, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The combination of tender white beans, wilted spinach, and melty cheese all tucked into a crispy tortilla is pure comfort. The aroma of garlic and spices filling my kitchen as they cook is just divine. You’re going to love how easy and delicious these are. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadilla
Get ready to fall in love with these quesadillas! They’re packed with flavor and goodness, making them a perfect meal any time of day. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Incredibly Easy: This is truly an easy creamy spinach white bean recipe that comes together in minutes.
- Nutrient-Dense: You’re getting protein and fiber from the white beans and vitamins from the spinach, making it a healthy creamy spinach white bean dish.
- Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a hearty appetizer.
- Flavorful Filling: The blend of creamy cheeses, garlic, and spices creates an irresistible taste.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy, mild flavors.
- Customizable: Easily add other veggies or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious quesadillas. This recipe highlights the creamy white bean and spinach combination beautifully, making it a standout creamy spinach cannellini bean recipe.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – about 2 large handfuls, wilted down
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed – cannellini or navy beans work wonderfully here
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – this is key for that luscious, creamy texture
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that classic melt and stretch
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is best for punchy flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – a convenient way to add savory notes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a lovely subtle smokiness
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously to enhance all the flavors
- 4 large flour tortillas – your vessel for this creamy goodness
- Olive oil for frying – just enough to get a golden-brown crisp
How to Make Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
- Step 1: To start making these amazing quesadillas, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Combine the 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped, the 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed, and the 1 cup cream cheese, softened. Add the ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything together until you have a wonderfully creamy filling. This step is crucial for learning how to make creamy spinach white beans that are perfectly blended.
- Step 2: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Step 3: Lay one of your 4 large flour tortillas flat in the heated skillet. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy spinach filling onto half of the tortilla.
- Step 4: Carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Step 5: Cook this quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom side is beautifully golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that gorgeous color.
- Step 6: Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s equally golden and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Step 7: Repeat steps 3 through 6 with the remaining tortillas and filling. You might need to add a little more olive oil to the skillet between quesadillas to ensure they don’t stick and get that perfect crisp. This method is perfect for making a fantastic creamy spinach white bean skillet meal.
- Step 8: Once all your quesadillas are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet. Let them cool for just a minute before slicing into wedges. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
Want to elevate your quesadilla game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these even more irresistible.
- For an extra creamy filling, make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. It blends so much better!
- Don’t overstuff the tortillas. Too much filling can make them hard to fold and cook evenly.
- Use a medium heat for cooking. Too high and they’ll burn before the inside is warm and gooey.
- Press down gently with your spatula while cooking; this helps the filling meld and promotes even browning.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas?
The key is a balanced filling! Using softened cream cheese with the white beans and spinach, plus a good mix of cheeses, creates that signature creamy texture. It’s almost as satisfying as a rich creamy white bean spinach pasta dish.
Can I make Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and cook the quesadillas right before serving for the crispiest results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas?
A common pitfall, much like with a spinach and white bean casserole, is using cold ingredients for the filling, which leads to lumps. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook them in batches to ensure they get perfectly golden and crispy on both sides.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
These creamy quesadillas are so versatile, and I love serving them with a few of my favorite accompaniments. They’re fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a fresh salsa or some creamy guacamole takes them to the next level. For an extra treat, try serving them with a side of creamy white bean spinach dip or a dollop of creamy white bean spinach spread. They also make a wonderful light lunch or appetizer!
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
Let’s talk about what makes these quesadillas so satisfying! Each serving offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a delicious and relatively wholesome choice.
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 670mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
Once your delicious quesadillas are cooked, it’s important to let them cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. For the best taste and texture, store leftover creamy spinach white bean quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Think of this as a great way to have a wholesome meal ready when you’re dealing with busy weeks and a lack of fresh creamy white bean and greens.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you have a couple of great options. For the crispiest results, reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through and golden. You can also pop them into a toaster oven or a regular oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Microwaving is an option, but it tends to make the tortilla a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
What is creamy spinach white bean?
Creamy spinach white bean refers to a delicious filling made by combining pureed or mashed white beans with wilted spinach and creamy elements like cream cheese and other cheeses. It’s a versatile base that’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, often used in dishes like quesadillas, dips, or spreads.
Can I make a spinach white bean puree for other recipes?
Absolutely! A spinach white bean puree is fantastic on its own as a healthy dip or spread. You can also use it as a base for creamy soups, a filling for pasta, or even as a healthy binder in veggie burgers. Just adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed for your specific dish.
Are these quesadillas healthy?
Yes, these quesadillas are a surprisingly healthy option! They are packed with protein and fiber from the white beans, plus vitamins and minerals from the spinach. The cream cheese and other cheeses do add some fat, but overall, it’s a well-balanced meal that offers a good amount of nutrients without feeling heavy.
What kind of white beans are best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans or navy beans are excellent choices for this creamy spinach white bean recipe. They have a lovely soft texture when cooked and mash or puree beautifully, creating that signature creamy consistency. Just make sure they are well-drained and rinsed!
Variations of Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas You Can Try
While I absolutely adore the classic version, I love experimenting with this dish! Here are a few ways you can switch things up for a new flavor adventure. You can easily swap spinach for other greens, like in a creamy white bean and kale version, which adds a slightly different texture and nutrient boost.
- Add More Veggies: Mix in some finely diced bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Change the Greens: Instead of spinach, try using chopped Swiss chard or even a bit of arugula for a peppery bite. This is similar to how you might prepare a hearty white bean spinach stew, just in a quesadilla format.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan mozzarella to create a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
Divine Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Spinach White Bean Quesadillas are a delicious and cheesy delight filled with nutritious spinach and white beans, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, drained white beans, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined to create a creamy filling.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and spoon a generous amount of the creamy spinach filling onto half of the tortilla, then fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom of the quesadilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more olive oil to the skillet as needed.
- Once all quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
Notes
- Serve the quesadillas warm with a side of salsa or guacamole.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese for added visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg









