Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor, comfort, and a bit of an Italian twist, Butter Bean Puttanesca is just the thing you need. It’s like a warm, hearty hug in a bowl. The creamy texture of butter beans combined with the bold, briny flavors of olives, capers, and tomatoes will transport you to the sunny coasts of Italy with every bite. And the best part? It’s so simple to make but tastes like it took hours of simmering on the stove. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Butter Bean Puttanesca

• Hearty & Filling: Butter beans are rich and creamy, making this dish incredibly satisfying without being heavy.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes brings a deliciously bold and savory flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
• One-Pot Wonder: It’s a super easy recipe to clean up after! Everything comes together in one pot, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
• Quick & Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time.
• Customizable: You can add more veggies, or even some protein like chicken or shrimp, to make it your own. Plus, it’s vegetarian, so it’s great for meatless Mondays or anyone following a plant-based diet.

Ingredients in Butter Bean Puttanesca

Let’s talk about what makes this dish so irresistible:

For the Butter Bean Puttanesca:

• Butter Beans: The creamy star of this dish. You can use canned butter beans for convenience, or cook dried butter beans ahead of time.
• Olives: Black olives give the dish a briny, savory punch.
• Capers: A signature ingredient in Puttanesca, capers add a lovely salty tang.
• Cherry Tomatoes: They burst with sweetness and juiciness, adding freshness to balance the savory elements.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and creating a rich, flavorful base.
• Vegetable Broth: To help create a savory, slightly soupy sauce that brings everything together.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note right at the end.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the cherry tomatoes to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and burst. Stir in the olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Stir in the Butter Beans

Add the butter beans to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have blended and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Season and Garnish

Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Once everything is nicely seasoned, remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Butter Bean Puttanesca hot, with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s perfect on its own or as a side to grilled meats, seafood, or a crisp salad.

How to Serve Butter Bean Puttanesca

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a thick slice of toasted sourdough or baguette to mop up all that amazing sauce.
• Over Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve it over pasta like spaghetti or penne.
• With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette would be the perfect complement to balance the richness of the puttanesca.
• As a Side: This would be an excellent side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like your food on the spicier side, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or even a chopped fresh chili pepper.
• Use Canned Beans: Canned butter beans are a time-saver, but if you prefer dried beans, just cook them ahead of time and use them in the dish.
• Fresh Tomatoes: You can swap out the cherry tomatoes for regular tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand, though cherry tomatoes bring a lovely burst of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1,050mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bean?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find butter beans, you can substitute with cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the Butter Bean Puttanesca ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: Can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, or even toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers for more heat.

Q6: What can I serve this with besides bread or pasta?
A6: You can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, or alongside grilled meats or seafood for a more complete meal.

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A7: Yes, you can! Use about 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes, and simmer them until they break down and become saucy.

Q8: How can I make this dish vegan?
A8: This recipe is already vegan! Just make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go.

Q9: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to add some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.

Q10: What can I use instead of parsley for garnish?
A10: Fresh basil or oregano would make great alternatives if you’re looking for a different herb to top off the dish.

Conclusion

This Butter Bean Puttanesca is a bold, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With creamy butter beans, tangy olives and capers, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to your next gathering—either way, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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