Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

If you’re craving a cozy dish that’s both hearty and fresh, these Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder combines tender butter beans with a bright and zesty lemon garlic cream sauce, creating a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s rich, silky, and loaded with flavor—perfect on toast, as a side dish, or the star of a satisfying vegetarian dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Rich & Creamy – A luxurious sauce that clings to every buttery bean.
Fresh & Bright – Lemon and garlic cut through the richness perfectly.
Plant-Based Protein – Butter beans are hearty, filling, and good for you.
Versatile – Enjoy it as a main, a side, or spooned over crusty bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Creamy Butter Beans:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• Extra lemon zest or slices
• Crusty sourdough or toasted baguette slices

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Zester or microplane
Can opener
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Butter Beans
Add the drained butter beans to the skillet. Stir gently to coat.
Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme.
Simmer uncovered for 7–8 minutes, letting the beans absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream or coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for another 5–6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beans.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve warm, spooned generously over crusty toast, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Optional: Finish with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Butter Beans
Let It Simmer – Simmer uncovered to reduce the broth and intensify flavor.
Balance the Lemon – Start with a little juice and add more to your taste.
Don’t Over-Stir – Butter beans are delicate and can break if stirred too aggressively.
Cream Substitutes – Coconut milk or a mix of cashew cream work great for dairy-free versions.
Make It a Meal – Add wilted spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for more body.

Serving Suggestions
With Toast – Spoon generously over toasted sourdough or flatbread.
In a Bowl – Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
As a Side – Great with grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based protein.
For Brunch – Top with a poached egg and fresh herbs.
As a Dip – Mash slightly and serve with warm pita chips or crackers.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:

• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat:

• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried butter beans?
Yes! Soak and cook 1 ½ cups dried butter beans until tender before using.

2. Is this dish vegan?
Yes, if you use olive oil and coconut milk instead of butter and dairy cream.

3. What if I don’t have butter beans?
Cannellini or great northern beans are good alternatives with a similar texture.

4. Can I add greens?
Absolutely—spinach, kale, or Swiss chard all work beautifully in this dish.

5. How do I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil before serving.

Final Thoughts
These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are a warm hug in a bowl—simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a nourishing dish, it’s a recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and wholesome. Perfect with bread, grains, or all on its own.

Try it tonight and don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how you enjoy it!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 410mg

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