Name: 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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If you are looking for a comforting, quick, and utterly delicious side dish, the 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender butter beans with a luxuriously creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce that’s both rich and bright, perfect for adding that extra wow factor to any meal. In just twenty minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor — a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white frying pan filled with a thin layer of oil mixed with dark red and brown spices, evenly spread across the surface. The spices create a textured pattern with small granules floating in the oil, forming a ring near the edge of the pan and more concentrated patches in the center. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color in this dish. You probably have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge, making it incredibly easy to whip up anytime.

Unsalted butter, 2 Tbsp: Adds a rich, silky base that helps infuse the garlic with flavor while creating a luscious sauce foundation.
Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Fresh and fragrant, garlic brings that irresistible aromatic punch that harmonizes perfectly with the Parmesan.
Italian seasoning, 1 tsp: A blend of herbs that brightens the dish and adds delicious complexity to the savory profile.
Ground black pepper, ½ tsp: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and sharpness to cut through the richness.
Smoked paprika, ½ tsp: Brings a subtle smoky undertone that deepens the flavor and adds a warm, inviting color.
Vegetable broth, 1 cup: Keeps the dish light and moist while balancing the creamy elements with savory depth.
Cream cheese, 4 oz: Melts into silky goodness, enriching the beans with a smooth and tangy creaminess.
Butter beans, 2 cans (15 oz each): The star ingredient — tender, buttery beans that soak up every bit of the sauce while adding hearty texture.
Shredded Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Finishes the dish with nutty, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.

How to Make 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large sauté pan or medium pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously as the garlic softens and releases its mouthwatering aroma, about 1 to 2 minutes. This fragrant base sets the stage for every bite and ensures your beans will be bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now, stir in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and add a savory depth. Next, add the cream cheese and gently stir until it melts completely into the broth, transforming it into a silky smooth sauce. This step is key to achieving that luscious creaminess that clings perfectly to the buttery beans.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

Drain your butter beans and pour them straight into the bubbling sauce. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beans to soak up all those fantastic flavors. This gentle simmering melds everything together beautifully, giving you a rich and hearty dish that’s ready to impress.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

Remove the pan from heat and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring just until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This final touch enriches the dish with a nutty, salty hit and creates that irresistible creamy texture you’ll keep coming back for.

How to Serve 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with creamy orange pasta coated in a thick sauce. The pasta pieces are round and plump, covered evenly with the sauce that has small black pepper specks. Green parsley flakes are sprinkled on top, adding contrast to the orange color. There are also fine shreds of white cheese scattered over the dish. A vintage silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up the dish and add a fresh dimension, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper on the finished dish also adds a gourmet touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic Parmesan butter beans recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a juicy steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Crusty bread or warm garlic rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the beans over fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra comforting bowl. You can also spoon the creamy beans onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or stack them beside a sunny-side-up egg for a delightful brunch twist. The possibilities are endless and guaranteed to elevate your mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow the beans to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe a perfect make-ahead side or quick lunch.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, this dish freezes beautifully. Just cool completely and package in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and bring back that perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butter beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh butter beans will work wonderfully, but make sure to cook them until tender before adding to the sauce. This might add a bit of extra prep time, but the fresh texture and flavor are worth it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different creaminess, but keep in mind it might alter the texture and tanginess a bit. Experiment to find your favorite variation!

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, you can use regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder to add a bit of warmth. The smoky flavor is subtle but adds nice depth, so try to include it when possible.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps, yes. Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute to keep the creamy and cheesy feel intact.

Final Thoughts

The 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe is one of those surprisingly simple dishes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and downright cozy, making it a perfect weeknight side or a special addition to your dinner parties. Give it a try — I’m confident it will become a favorite go-to in your cooking rotation, just like it has in mine!

20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Butter Beans Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need