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Meet your new go-to easy weeknight bean recipe! My garlic parmesan butter beans are ridiculously simple to prep (we’re talking 20 minutes) but full of slow-simmered flavors. It’s the low-effort, high-reward vegetarian dinner of your dreams.
If you loved my viral marry me butter beans or creamy lemon pepper chickpeas, this recipe is for you!
save this recipe!Seriously, if you’ve got a can of butter beans, you’re halfway to dinner already! A quick sauté here, a stir there, and you’re done in under 30 minutes. Bonus: it’s super rich in fiber and plant-based protein to keep you full and satisfied for hours!
Next Level Beans
- Comforting Yet Healthy: The cheesy, garlicky sauce and tender butter beans deliver big comfort-food vibes without weighing you down.
- So Versatile: These creamy butter beans are tasty as a main course (perfect with crusty bread) or an elegant holiday side with steamed veggies. They’re even great as a pasta topping!
Reader rating
P.S. If you love this quick skillet recipe, try my Marry Me Butter Beans or Fennel Braised Butter Beans next!
Key Ingredients
This easy butter beans recipe comes together with a short list of pantry staples and fresh ingredients—what’s not to love? Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Butter Beans: These tender, creamy legumes are packed with protein and have a mild flavor that is perfect for absorbing the savory seasonings and rich sauce. You may also see these called lima beans!
- Savory Seasonings: Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper pack a flavor punch, while smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky depth.
- Vegetable Broth: For the best taste, use a high-quality, low-sodium vegetable broth (or make your own veggie broth from kitchen scraps).
- Cream Cheese: We’ll use cream cheese to create the creamy sauce. You could also use heavy cream in a pinch, or coconut milk for a plant-based alternative.
- Parmesan: for an umami-rich finishing touch. Opt for freshly grated parmesan, which has a fresher flavor than pre-grated.
Butter Bean Swap
When using butter beans (also called large lima beans), look for cans labeled “butter beans” near the other canned beans. If you can’t find them, cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas make an easy substitution!
Let’s Make one-pot creamy beans
These Italian-style butter beans couldn’t be easier—just one pot, a quick simmer, and you’re done in 20! This is an overview of the recipe. Jump to the recipe card for the full printable recipe.
- Create the flavor base by sautéing the garlic and seasonings in butter.
- Simmer the beans in broth and cream cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and serve warm!
Plays Well With…
This comforting white bean dinner is even better with more Italian-style dishes. Here are three of our go-to options!
- Parsley Salad: Add a refreshing contrast to the creamy beans with this Mediterranean-inspired salad.
- Miso Butter Pasta: The creaminess of the beans pairs so well with the umami-rich sauce and hearty pasta!
20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans
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
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, 40 g
Instructions
- Flavor Base: In a large saute pan or medium pot, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp ground black pepper, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Cook until garlic is a bit soft and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Simmer: Stir in 1 cup vegetable broth and 4 oz cream cheese, stirring until cream cheese is fully melted in. Stir in 2 15-oz cans butter beans (drained). Let gently simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese and serve warm!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!Hungry for more recipes with butter beans? Try these easy recipes with beans that aren’t boring (here are four of my personal favs):
Creamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet
20 minutes
Creamy Pesto Butter Beans
30 minutes
Crispy Roasted Tahini Butter Beans
35 minutes
This looks delicious!! Can you freeze this recipe? I hope to make it soon. I love your recipes! Thank you!🙏
I haven’t tested freezing this one so I can’t say for sure, but I think the texture might get a little funky after freezing!
What would you serve this with?
You can serve it with a side of veggies (air fryer veggies would be great here), over pasta or rice, or just in a bowl with a good slice of sourdough bread for dipping.
Soooo good…… I just might have two servings!!!!
I’m so happy to hear you loved it, Linda! Enjoy!
So tasty, rich and comforting. I chopped 60g of baby spinach and threw it in at the end, which worked really nicely. I also included the optional 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes – highly recommend.
Thank you for the recipe! I’ll definitely be making this one a lot.
The spinach is such a great addition! Happy eating! 😀
Since discovering this recipe about a week ago, I’ve made these beans 3 times. Sooo delish.
This makes me so happy to hear, Rachel!! Happy eating!
How many servings does this make?
This makes 4 servings! 🙂
Not great. Did not like this one. Lacked flavor. Could not even taste the cream cheese.
Never had made anything like it— absolutely delicious and filling m, and great if you’re on a budget!
I’m thrilled to hear you loved it, Haleigh! 😀
I love butter beans and when I saw this recipe I knew I’d love it. I made a few tweaks as I am a body builder and I’m always finding ways to implement protein. I added chicken bouillon to the seasoning and instead of vegetable broth I used chicken bone broth. I grilled myself up some chicken breast and had the beans over chickpea orzo, topped it with the parm and man I was in heaven! I will be keeping this in my meal prep rotation! Thanks for an awesome recipe!
I’m so happy you made it your own! I love hearing how you adapted it to fit your goals—and it sounds like you built an absolutely delicious, protein-packed meal. Thanks for sharing your version and for adding it to your meal prep rotation!
This recipe has become a staple in my house. Super easy and versatile and just as delicious! The sauce works well with chickpeas too I’ve found!
So pumped you loved it! Happy eating!