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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/creamy-butter-beans-recipe/