Name: Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste + black pepper; 2 cans cannellini beans (15 oz / 400 g each), drained and rinsed; 1 cup broth, vegetable or chicken; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (or 1 fresh mozzarella ball torn into chunks, about 7-8 oz or 200 g); ⅓ cup grated parmesan; 1 handful fresh basil; 4 slices crusty bread, toasted, for serving

There’s something undeniably cozy about a dish that combines melty cheese, tender beans, and bright tomatoes all in one skillet. This Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe hits that comforting spot with fresh flavors and loads of ease — it’s basically like pizza, but you eat it with a spoon, and I promise you’re going to want to make it again and again.

The dish shows one layer of golden brown toasted bread at the bottom, partially covered by a thick, rich orange-red tomato sauce mixed with white beans and chunks of melted cheese that create stretchy, stringy textures. Bright red pieces of cooked tomatoes and small green basil leaves are scattered on top and throughout, all sitting in a black pan with the bread slightly lifted up by a woman's hand, pulling some cheese strands. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of those kitchen gems that delivers big on flavor but asks very little of you. I love how it comes together quickly and cleans up faster — plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to what you have around. It’s like having a pizza party with no fuss, all gooey cheese and tender beans blending perfectly every time.

One-skillet convenience: You cook everything right in your pan, which means less dishwashing and more time enjoying your meal.
Comfort food with a punch: Creamy beans and melty cheese create that rich, indulgent texture that makes it feel like pizza without the crust hassle.
Fresh yet hearty: The cherry tomatoes blister and sweeten, balancing the richness beautifully.
Customizable charm: Swap cheeses, beans, or herbs to tweak it exactly to your taste or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe lies in simple ingredients that come alive when cooked together. I always make sure to use fresh cherry tomatoes for that natural sweetness and a good quality mozzarella for a luscious melt. Below are what I use and why each one is a star in this dish.

Flat lay of two pints of halved cherry tomatoes, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, two white ceramic bowls each filled with rinsed cannellini beans, a small white bowl of vegetable broth, a handful of fresh green basil leaves, torn chunks of fresh white mozzarella cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, and four slices of rustic crusty bread arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: It adds a peppery richness and helps the tomatoes blister beautifully without burning.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness intensifies when blistered, creating a fresh, juicy base.
Garlic: Grated garlic melts into the sauce, offering subtle background warmth without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Browning this deepens the sauce’s flavor to a rich, almost smoky sweetness.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that pairs perfectly with tomato and cheese flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a lovely gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
Cannellini beans: Their creamy texture is comforting and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Broth (vegetable or chicken): Adds liquid for simmering and infuses subtle savory notes.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into irresistibly gooey pockets that feel like pizza toppings come alive.
Parmesan cheese: Its sharpness balances the creamy mozzarella perfectly.
Fresh basil: Added at the end for a fragrant, bright finish.
Crusty bread: Essential for scooping and soaking up every bit of that saucy goodness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Maybe I swap the cannellini beans for chickpeas for a bit of nuttiness or toss in some fresh oregano when I happen to have it. The beauty is, this skillet adjusts to what you want without missing a beat.

Variation: Once, I added caramelized onions before simmering the beans, and the sweet-savory combo was next-level — totally worth trying!
For a spicy kick: Try increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Make it vegan: Swap mozzarella and parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheeses; I’ve had success with cashew-based mozzarella.
Seasonal twist: In summer, fresh heirloom tomatoes instead of cherry can add an extra juicy dimension.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe

The dish features two layers of golden toasted bread as the base, topped with a thick, orange-red bean stew made of white beans and red bell peppers. On top of the bean stew, there is a layer of melted white cheese with a soft, slightly browned texture and black pepper sprinkled over it. Bright green basil leaves are placed on the cheese and around the plate for garnish. The food is served on a white plate with blue floral patterns, set on a white marbled surface, with a gold fork resting beside the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Blister those cherry tomatoes

Heat your skillet over medium-high, pour in the extra virgin olive oil, and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook mostly undisturbed for about 5 minutes until you see the skins blistering and puckering — this is where the sweet, jammy tomato flavor develops. Resist stirring too much so they caramelize instead of steaming. It’s a small patience test that pays off in flavor.

Step 2: Build the sauce

Stir in your grated garlic, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another minute—this step browns the tomato paste and makes your sauce deep and soulful. You’ll smell the difference as the garlic toasts lightly, and that’s your cue.

Step 3: Add beans and simmer gently

Drain and rinse your cannellini beans, then toss them into the skillet along with the broth. Stir everything up, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes. The beans soak in all the tomatoey goodness, and the sauce thickens just right — not too watery, not too dry.

Step 4: Top with melty cheese and broil

Crank on your oven broiler and pile on your shredded or torn mozzarella cheese plus the grated parmesan. Pop the skillet into the oven close to the broiler rack for about 5 minutes. Watch closely — you want bubbly, golden cheese with a few delicious browned spots. Pull it out the second it looks perfect.

Step 5: Finish with fresh basil and serve warm

Once the skillet’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for fragrance and a pop of color. Serve it hot, accompanied by slices of crusty bread for sopping up that cheesy, saucy bean goodness. Trust me, the bread is not optional here—it’s half the fun.

Top Tip

Throughout making this recipe, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make the difference between good and outstanding. If you keep these in mind, you’ll nail this dish every single time.

Let the tomatoes do their thing: Give them space and time to blister undisturbed. It intensifies their flavor like magic.
Don’t rush browning tomato paste: That quick little toast makes your sauce so much richer and less “canned.”
Tear mozzarella into uneven chunks: This creates gorgeous melty pockets and visually appealing texture.
Stay close to the broiler: Cheese can shift from golden to burnt in seconds — keep an eye on it!

How to Serve Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with fresh basil because it adds such a fresh, green brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich tomato-cheese base. Sometimes, I scatter a handful of arugula just before serving for peppery crispness. A drizzle of good olive oil or even some chili oil can kick it up a notch if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is filling on its own, I often keep sides light. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich skillet flavors perfectly. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or a cucumber-tomato salad add great texture contrast and fresh elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets — it feels cozy and personal, plus it keeps the dish warm. Another fun idea is layering the skillet beans over grilled polenta rounds for a unique twist that impresses guests while staying true to those comforting flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep nicely for up to 4 days. When reheating, it helps to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out and to stir gently over low heat before finishing under the broiler again if you want that melty top.

Freezing

This skillet freezes well if you want to make a double batch. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop, adding broth as needed to recreate that fresh-simmered texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low with a lid to warm through evenly without drying. Then pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to revive the cheese’s melty, golden finish — just like when it was freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of beans for the Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are classic for their creaminess, you can swap them with great northern beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans well.

Is it necessary to use fresh cherry tomatoes, or can I use canned tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes are great because they blister and sweeten nicely during cooking, but canned diced or crushed tomatoes can work as a substitute if fresh aren’t available. Just drain excess liquid slightly, and you might want to reduce added broth to keep the sauce from becoming too thin.

Can I make this Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the mozzarella and parmesan with your favorite plant-based cheeses. I've found that cashew-based mozzarella-style cheese melts well and complements the beans and tomatoes beautifully, preserving the creamy, cheesy vibe.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the dish?

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Once warmed through, placing the skillet briefly under the oven’s broiler helps revive that fresh melty cheese topping. This method keeps the beans tender and the cheese gooey, just like when first made.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made the Creamy Bean Pizza Skillet Recipe countless times now, and it never fails to feel like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity makes it approachable, but the flavors? Oh, they’re special enough to impress whoever you share it with. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend treat, I highly recommend giving this one a try—you’ll be glad you did!