Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked butter beans (canned, drained, and rinsed works well too)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free twist)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread or cooked pasta, for serving
Substitution tips: If you don’t have butter beans, cannellini beans are a great swap. For sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers add a lovely smoky sweetness. And if you want to lighten the dish, swapping cream for half-and-half works beautifully without sacrificing richness.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step is where the aroma fills your kitchen and reminds me of the comforting smells from my grandmother’s home.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir for another 2 minutes. The oil from the tomatoes helps build a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Watching the spinach shrink and turn vibrant green never gets old—it’s like nature’s little miracle in your pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 4-5 minutes, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding that signature creaminess and depth I always crave after a long day.
- Gently fold in the cooked butter beans, stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the beans are heated through and tender. This step reminds me of the simple joy of layering flavors—each ingredient playing its part to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I always encourage a little tasting along the way—it’s the best way to make a dish truly yours.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like, and serve immediately with warm crusty bread or your favorite pasta. Watching my family’s eyes light up when this dish hits the table never gets old.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International