Creamy Butter Beans Recipe

Introduction

Butter beans create a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines creamy beans with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spinach for a satisfying and nutritious dinner. It’s easy to prepare and full of delightful textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Try using oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste.)
• 1 medium Shallot (Finely chopped.)
• 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (Key for the sauce.)
• 1 cup Baby Tomatoes (Enhances freshness.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Adjust according to spice preference.)
• To taste Salt (Feel free to adjust.)
• 1 cup Whole Milk (Swap with heavy cream for richer consistency.)
• 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth (Use what you have on hand.)
• 2 cups Butter Beans (Can be swapped with cannellini beans.)
• 2 cups Spinach (Adds nutritional benefits.)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated.)
• To taste Fresh Herbs (Basil or parsley for garnish.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in sundried tomatoes along with baby tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
3. Step 3: Toss in minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in whole milk and vegetable or chicken broth, scraping up flavorful bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer, then add butter beans and cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Fold in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, letting them wilt in for 1-2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Top with shredded mozzarella (optional) and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and extra chili flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil from sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
• Substitute butter beans with cannellini beans for a similar texture.
• Swap whole milk with heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of mozzarella before broiling for a golden crust.
• Adjust chili flakes to match your spice tolerance for the perfect heat level.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of broth or milk while reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned butter beans instead of fresh?

Yes, canned butter beans work well and save time. Make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.

What can I serve with this butter bean recipe?

This dish pairs nicely with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Creamy Butter Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 81 reviews

A creamy, flavorful butter beans recipe cooked in a savory tomato and garlic sauce, enriched with spinach and Parmesan cheese, finished with a golden bubbly mozzarella broil topping. A comforting and nutritious dish perfect as a main or side.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Try using oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste.)
• 1 medium Shallot (Finely chopped.)
• 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (Key for the sauce.)
• 1 cup Baby Tomatoes (Enhances freshness.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Adjust according to spice preference.)
• Salt to taste (Feel free to adjust.)

Liquids & Beans

• 1 cup Whole Milk (Swap with heavy cream for richer consistency.)
• 1 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth (Use what you have on hand.)
• 2 cups Butter Beans (Can be swapped with cannellini beans.)

Greens & Cheese

• 2 cups Spinach (Adds nutritional benefits.)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated.)
• Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, quantity not specified but enough to top before broiling, approximately 1/2 cup)

Garnish

• Fresh Herbs (Basil or parsley for garnish, amount to taste.)
• Extra Chili Flakes (Optional, to taste.)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the surface evenly. This prepares the pan for sautéing the aromatics and ensures flavors infuse well.
2. Sauté the shallot: Add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent, developing a sweet and savory base.
3. Cook the tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with the baby tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the baby tomatoes begin to soften, releasing their fresh juices.
4. Add aromatics and seasoning: Toss in minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, which helps intensify the overall taste profile.
5. Add liquids and simmer with beans: Pour in the whole milk and the vegetable or chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the butter beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
6. Incorporate spinach and Parmesan: Fold in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine. Allow them to wilt into the sauce over 1-2 minutes, adding freshness and a creamy texture.
7. Broil with mozzarella topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top and place the skillet under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious crust.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and add extra chili flakes if desired. Serve hot as a comforting main dish or side.

Notes

• Using sun-dried tomato olive oil can enhance the tomato flavor substantially.
• You can substitute butter beans with cannellini beans if preferred.
• For a richer sauce, replace whole milk with heavy cream.
• Broiling time may vary depending on your oven; keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• Adding fresh herbs just before serving brightens the dish with vibrant flavor.
• Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.

Keywords: butter beans, creamy beans, tomato sauce beans, spinach and beans, Mediterranean vegetarian meal, Parmesan beans recipe, broiled cheese beans