20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe
Introduction
This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans recipe is a quick and comforting side dish that’s full of flavor. The combination of garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a rich and velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with hearty butter beans. It’s an easy way to elevate simple pantry ingredients into something special.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
- 4 oz cream cheese (113 g)
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans (425 g each, drained)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (40 g)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large sauté pan or medium pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in the vegetable broth and cream cheese, mixing until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the drained butter beans and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until well combined. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or milk when melting the cream cheese.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish for added color and flavor.
- Substitute butter beans with cannellini beans or great northern beans if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage
Store leftover creamy garlic parmesan butter beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
Yes, fresh minced garlic is actually preferred as it provides the best flavor. Just make sure to finely mince it to release the full aroma and taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the parmesan cheese you use is vegetarian, as some cheeses contain animal-derived rennet.
Print20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe
This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans recipe is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, garlicky, and creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main, this recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and parmesan to create a luscious, flavorful meal ready in under half an hour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Butter Beans and Sauce
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
- 4 oz cream cheese (113 g)
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans, drained (425 g each)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavor Base: In a large sauté pan or medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic softens and releases its fragrance, infusing the butter with flavor.
- Add Liquids and Cream Cheese: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy base for the beans.
- Simmer the Beans: Stir in the drained butter beans and let the mixture simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until well combined. Serve the creamy garlic parmesan butter beans warm as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or low sodium broth for better control of salt.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free version for a lactose-free variation.
- Serving suggestion: pair with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially salt, as parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
Keywords: creamy butter beans, garlic parmesan beans, quick vegetarian side, creamy butter beans recipe, 20-minute dinner, butter beans with parmesan
