20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe
This quick and creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option that comes together in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful mixture of garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and creamy Parmesan cheese, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Ideal for vegetarians, it can serve as a hearty side or a light main course.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Butter Bean Mixture
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans (425 g each), drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
- 4 oz cream cheese (113 g)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (40 g)
Seasonings and Flavor Base
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 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, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Cream Cheese: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and add the 4 ounces of cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Incorporate Butter Beans and Simmer: Stir in the drained butter beans to the pan. Allow the mixture to gently simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan butter beans warm as a flavorful side or light main dish.
Notes
- Drain and rinse the butter beans well to reduce sodium content if using canned beans.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for the full 15 minutes or slightly longer until desired thickness is reached.
- For a non-vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and provide superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; adding a pinch of salt may be necessary depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250 g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan butter beans, creamy butter beans recipe, easy vegetarian dinner, quick bean recipe, weeknight dinner, garlic butter beans