Name: Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes 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, to taste; 2 cans cannellini beans (15 oz / 400 g each), drained and rinsed; 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken); 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (or one fresh mozzarella bowl 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

When those juicy cherry tomatoes start to blister and mingle with creamy beans and melted cheese, magic happens. This Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is comfort food with a twist—it’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in or feeding friends with minimal fuss.

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 Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this skillet pizza beans dish! It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent and wholesome but comes together super quickly. Plus, it has this brilliant blend of textures and fresh flavors that make each bite interesting.

One-pan simplicity: You cook everything in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax at the table.
Fresh meets cozy: The cherry tomatoes blister to searing sweetness, while mozzarella melts into gooey, bubbly perfection.
Hearty and satisfying: Cannellini beans give the dish protein and a creamy texture that feels so comforting without heaviness.
Customizable and forgiving: You can swap in whatever cheese or beans you have—it’s adaptable to your pantry and preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that balance between tangy, creamy, and fresh. I love how simple ingredients turn into something special with just a few cooking tricks.

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: Adds richness and helps blister the tomatoes beautifully without burning.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness shines when blistered, giving a fresh contrast to the beans.
Garlic: Grated garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that's not overpowering.
Tomato paste: Browning it boosts the depth of tomato flavor, making the sauce rich and savory.
Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brings that ‘pizza’ vibe to the beans.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pop of heat to keep things interesting but easy to skip.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they soak up the sauce and add heartiness without heaviness.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Keeps the sauce saucy and helps everything meld together.
Mozzarella: I love using torn fresh mozzarella, but shredded works equally well for that melty, stretchy cheese factor.
Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the milky mozzarella.
Fresh basil: Its bright, herbal pop at the end cuts through the richness and lifts the dish.
Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up all that cheesy, saucy goodness—you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

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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

One of my favorite things about this Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the beans or cheese depending on what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it yours!

Variation: I’ve tried this with chickpeas instead of cannellini beans and swapped mozzarella for crumbled feta—I loved the tangy, salty twist it gave! If you want a vegan version, dairy-free cheese melts beautifully here too.
Seasonal twist: In cooler months, roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes add a smoky depth that feels extra cozy.
Spice it up: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Make it a meal: Stir in some cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier skillet pizza bean experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes 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 tomatoes until they sing

Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a large oven-safe skillet. Once shimmering, add your halved cherry tomatoes. This is where patience pays off—let them cook mostly undisturbed for about 5 minutes so their skins start blistering and caramelizing. You want that burst of sweet, smoky flavor. Then, stir in the grated garlic, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until fragrant, about a minute. This step builds the sauce’s foundation—it’s where the magic starts.

Step 2: Beans and broth join the party

Next, add your drained and rinsed cannellini beans into the skillet along with the broth. Give everything a good stir, and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until those tomatoes soften further and your sauce thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, splash in a bit more broth or water—you’re aiming for a saucy texture that clings beautifully to the beans.

Step 3: Cheese it up and broil for bubbly perfection

Preheat your oven broiler while the beans are simmering. When ready, scatter your shredded mozzarella or torn fresh mozzarella chunks evenly over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan for that sharp kick. Pop the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes—keep a close eye as cheese goes from melted to golden and bubbly quickly. When it’s perfectly bubbly with golden spots, you’re done.

Step 4: Fresh basil and bread, then dive in!

Right after taking it out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a punch of herby brightness. Serve warm alongside crusty toasted bread—it’s a perfect vehicle to scoop up every cheesy, tomatoey morsel. Trust me, you’ll want every last bite.

Top Tip

Through lots of trial and error, I’ve learned that blistering the tomatoes well and browning the tomato paste are game-changers for flavor. Also, keeping an eye on the broiler stage to avoid burning the cheese has saved many a dinner!

Blister tomatoes thoroughly: Don’t rush this step—let the heat coax out their natural sweetness for that signature flavor.
Brown tomato paste: Give it about a minute before adding the beans; this brings a rich, almost smoky depth.
Broil with vigilance: Cheese can quickly go from golden to burnt—stay close and watch it like a hawk.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you from dirtying extra pans and makes cooking to broiling seamless.

How to Serve Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

skillet pizza beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh basil is my go-to—it adds vibrant color and lifts the dish’s richness beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or drizzle a touch of good olive oil just before serving for that glossy finish. A grind of fresh black pepper on top never hurts either.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this skillet pizza beans recipe with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or sautéed greens like spinach or kale work perfectly too, adding color and a nutrition boost. If I’m feeling indulgent, a garlic butter bread on the side doubles down on the carb love.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ll serve this in individual small skillets or cast iron pans—everyone gets their personal cheesy pizza bean pot. It looks rustic and inviting. You can also spoon it over polenta or pasta for a fun, different twist that's great for impressing guests without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating since the sauce thickens.

Freezing

This recipe freezes reasonably well. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture of the tomatoes and beans holds up nicely, though the fresh basil is better added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve texture and avoid overcooked beans. If you want that melty cheese vibe back, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans are classic for this dish because of their creamy texture, but great northern beans, butter beans, or chickpeas work beautifully as well. Just use drained and rinsed canned beans for ease.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! You can cook the tomatoes and beans on the stovetop in a regular skillet and then transfer everything to a small baking dish or casserole to broil the cheese on top. Just keep an eye on the cheese as broiling times may vary.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap out mozzarella and parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it completely plant-based. The flavor and texture still turn out fantastic with these adjustments.

How do I prevent the tomato paste from burning?

When you add the tomato paste to the hot oil and tomatoes, stir it constantly and cook it only about a minute until it's fragrant and starts to darken slightly. Avoid letting it sit or cook too long over very high heat, as it can burn quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Pizza Beans with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for two or something to share with friends, it’s always a winner in my house. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something unexpectedly delightful, fast, and totally satisfying.