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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!

Garlic parmesan butter beans.
This creamy butter bean skillet is the coziest dish you can make in one pan.
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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

★★★★★

“Soooo good…… I just might have two servings!!!” —Linda

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P.S. If you love this quick skillet recipe, try my Marry Me Butter Beans or Fennel Braised Butter Beans next!

Garlic parmesan butter beans on a serving spoon.

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!

Ingredients needed to make garlic parmesan butter beans.

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.

  1. Create the flavor base by sautéing the garlic and seasonings in butter.
  2. Simmer the beans in broth and cream cheese until the sauce thickens.
  3. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and serve warm!
Garlic parmesan butter beans.
Butter beans are fragile and can break apart during cooking, so be sure to stir gently as they simmer to keep them whole!

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!
Garlic parmesan butter beans.
Garlic parmesan butter beans on a serving spoon.
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20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans

4.91 from 52 ratings
By: Sarah Bond
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
These garlic parmesan butter beans are simple to prep but full of slow-simmered flavor. A weeknight vegetarian dinner ready in 20 minutes!

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
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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.
    Cooking flavor base in a pan.
  • 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.
    Cooking garlic parmesan beans in a pan.
  • Serve: Stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese and serve warm!
    Garlic parmesan butter beans.

Notes

How can I make it spicier? If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic and seasonings.
Can I use dried beans? Yes! Just soak and cook your dried butter beans ahead of time. You’ll need about 3 to 3½ cups of cooked beans total.
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat everything gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if needed to make the sauce creamy.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, swap regular butter and cream cheese for plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese (you can even use canned coconut milk!). Vegan parmesan can be used in place of traditional
Add greens: For a veggie boost, stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 764mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 4.1mg

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):

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4.91 from 52 votes

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124 Comments

  1. Melissa McLeod says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I added a handful of chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice after it was done simmering. Amazing.

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      So glad it hit the spot Melissa, thanks for sharing!

  2. Megan says:

    5 stars
    Wow. I was so thrilled. I didn’t have access to butter beans, so I subbed for white kidney beans. I was so happy with this dish! Filling, creamy and easy to make. Definitely going into my rotation.

    Reply
    1. Sarah Bond says:

      Yay! SO happy to hear it, Megan 🙂 Enjoy!

  3. Tori says:

    Could you use chickpeas instead of butter beans? Looks yummy!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Bond says:

      Yes! This would be delish with chickpeas 🙂 Happy eating!

  4. Ann says:

    5 stars
    Lovely easy recipe and the beans were sensational. This is something I will definitely use when I want a quick and tasty meal.

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Thanks for the kind words Ann, happy eating!

  5. Anna S says:

    Wait… is the this really just one serving size?? With two cans of beans? This is great! Must try!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Bond says:

      This serves 4! 🙂

  6. Patrick Grandinetti says:

    These beans SLAP. I substituted pinto beans, but otherwise made the recipe as is.

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Big smiles over here, thanks for trying it Patrick!

  7. Allie says:

    5 stars
    Made this afternoon for an easy lunch. Added about a quarter of a finely chopped onion while sautéing the garlic. I used frozen butter beans and had to simmer everything about 30 minutes to get the tender consistency I like. It was amazing and delicious, def adding to the rotation. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Happy you enjoyed it, thanks for cooking with us Allie!

  8. Rachel says:

    5 stars
    Tried this for dinner this week, and just made it again for lunch. Delicious! I added some salt and cayenne, but otherwise made per the recipe.

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Thanks for cooking with me Rachel, so pumped you loved it!

  9. JeffP says:

    4 stars
    Made this recently and boy was it good. I struggle to find vegetarian recipes that are high enough in protein, and this fills the bill nicely. I had never had butter beans before. Delicious.

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Big smiles over here, thanks for trying it Jeff!

  10. Laura says:

    5 stars
    I’m not a good cook. This came out amazing, it was easy and delicious. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. The Live Eat Learn Team says:

      Thanks for giving it a go Laura, so glad you enjoyed it!