Description
Creamy Tomato Butter Beans are a cozy, protein-packed dish simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce with smoked paprika and herbs, finished with cream and Parmesan for a velvety texture. Perfect with crusty bread or as a hearty side.
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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in butter beans and cook gently for 5 minutes so they absorb the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in cream and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot with crusty bread or as a side dish.
Notes
- Swap butter beans for cannellini, navy beans, or chickpeas.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Add spinach, kale, or roasted peppers for extra vegetables.
- Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- A pinch of sugar balances tomato acidity but can be reduced if using sweet tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main or Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
