Creamy Tomato Butter Beans
Creamy Tomato Butter Beans - soft buttery beans simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with a splash of cream and Parmesan. Cozy, filling, and ready in 40 minutes!
Servings: 4
Calories: 543kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
- 30 ounces butter beans 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
- ½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone, or half-and-half for lighter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and thyme. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until slightly thickened. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the butter beans and let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes so they absorb flavor.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook 2–3 minutes more, until the sauce is luscious and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Video
Notes
- Butter Beans: Also sold as large lima beans. Cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas work well if that’s what you have.
- Cream Options: Heavy cream gives the richest finish. For something lighter, use half and half or even whole milk. Mascarpone is a decadent swap.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a salty, nutty kick.
- Make It Vegan: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Add-Ins: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers before serving. Crispy pancetta on top is never a bad idea.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 543kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 1778mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1301IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 298mg | Iron: 9mg
