Creamy Garlic Beans Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Beans are a comforting, flavorful side dish that’s rich and satisfying. Featuring tender butter beans simmered in a garlicky, cheesy sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty addition to your dinner table.

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

1. Step 1: In a large sauté pan or medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the vegetable broth and cream cheese, mixing until the cream cheese is fully melted.
3. Step 3: Add the drained butter beans and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of Italian seasoning.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.
• You can use canned cannellini beans instead of butter beans for a slightly different texture.

Storage

Store leftover creamy garlic beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by using vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and omitting or substituting the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative.

What can I serve with creamy garlic beans?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a creamy side alongside rice or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Beans recipe featuring buttery sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and creamy cheese, simmered to perfection for a comforting vegetarian dish.

• Author: Elena
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Flavor base: In a large sauté pan or medium pot, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp ground black pepper, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic softens slightly and the mixture becomes fragrant.
2. Simmer: Stir in 1 cup vegetable broth followed by 4 oz cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and combines into a smooth sauce. Then add 2 cans of drained butter beans. Let the mixture gently simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
3. Serve: Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Serve warm as a creamy, flavorful side dish or vegetarian main.

Notes

• Use canned butter beans for convenience, but you can substitute with fresh or frozen beans if preferred.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more black pepper or Italian seasoning if desired.
• The dish pairs well with crusty bread or as a side alongside grilled vegetables or roasted meats.
• To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegan cream cheese, and omit parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
• Simmer gently to avoid scorching the cream cheese and to develop a smooth creamy sauce.

Keywords: creamy garlic beans, butter beans recipe, creamy bean side dish, vegetarian beans, easy bean recipe, garlic butter beans