Name: Creamy Tomato Butter Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional); 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh); 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh); 1/2 cup heavy cream (or mascarpone/half-and-half); 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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These creamy tomato butter beans are cozy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. I simmer soft butter beans in a garlicky tomato sauce, then stir in cream and Parmesan for a velvety finish. Whether I serve them as a side dish or scoop them straight from the pan with crusty bread, they’re always a comforting choice.

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how quick and easy this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings. The tomato sauce is rich but not heavy, and the beans add a satisfying, protein-packed base. I also enjoy how versatile it is—I can keep it meatless or add extras like spinach or roasted peppers. For me, it’s one of those recipes that feels simple but tastes indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
onion
garlic
smoked paprika
red chili flakes (optional)
butter beans (also called large lima beans)
crushed tomatoes
sugar
dried oregano or fresh oregano
dried thyme or fresh thyme
heavy cream (or mascarpone, or half-and-half)
Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the onion for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
I stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, letting them cook for a minute so the flavors bloom.
I add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and thyme. Then I season well and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
I stir in the butter beans and let them cook gently for 5 minutes so they soak up the sauce.
I reduce the heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy and luscious.
I garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot, usually with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the butter beans for cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas. For a vegan version, I use coconut cream or cashew cream and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Adding spinach, kale, or roasted peppers is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer doing it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and simply reheat before serving. The flavors deepen as it rests.

Can I freeze creamy tomato butter beans?

I can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually pair it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad. It also works as a side for grilled chicken or fish.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes, I sometimes use half-and-half instead of cream or even whole milk for a lighter version. It still turns out creamy but less rich.

Can I skip the sugar in the sauce?

I don’t recommend skipping it completely because the sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but I sometimes reduce the amount if I use sweeter tomatoes.

Conclusion

For me, creamy tomato butter beans are the kind of dish that’s both simple and indulgent. I love how it turns a few pantry staples into something that feels cozy and satisfying. Whether I eat it alone with bread or as a side dish, it always hits the spot.