Creamy Butter Bean Sun: Amazing 30-Min Recipe

Name: Creamy Butter Bean Sun: Amazing 30-Min Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar); 2 shallots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 5 – 6 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cans (14 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1 oz hard cheese, grated; 1 handful fresh basil, shredded; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

by dorina alena

August 17, 2025

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Creamy Butter Bean Sun has become my go-to for a truly hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew. I love how the creamy texture of the butter beans, kissed with smoky paprika and brightened by fresh basil, creates such a comforting dish. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights because it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an incredibly easy butter bean recipe. The sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful depth of flavor that you just can’t beat. Come on, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Get ready to fall in love with this delightful dish. It’s truly an easy butter bean recipe that packs a serious flavor punch. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Super Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly Flavorful: A rich blend of smoky paprika, savory garlic, and fresh basil creates an amazing taste.
Hearty & Comforting: This dish is pure butter bean comfort food, satisfying and warming.
Vegetarian-Friendly: A delicious meat-free meal that everyone can enjoy.
Versatile: It’s fantastic as a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve a delicious result.
Packed with Goodness: Butter beans are a great source of fiber and protein.

Ingredients for Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Gather these simple ingredients to create a truly delicious sun dried tomato butter beans dish. The combination of creamy butter beans and rich sun-dried tomatoes is what makes this recipe so special. We’ll use smoked paprika for that lovely, subtle smokiness that complements everything perfectly.

1 tbsp oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar) – this oil is packed with flavor!
2 shallots, diced – for a mild oniony sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
5 – 6 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped – these add a fantastic concentrated tomato flavor
2 tbsp tomato paste – for richness and color
1 tsp garlic powder – boosts the garlic flavor
1 tsp onion powder – adds another layer of savory goodness
2 tsp smoked paprika – gives that signature smoky note
2 tsp dried oregano – a classic herb pairing
1 tsp cayenne pepper – for a touch of heat (or more if you like it spicy!)
Salt and pepper, to taste – to enhance all the flavors
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth – the base for our stew
2 cans (14 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed – the stars for their creamy texture
2/3 cup heavy cream – makes it wonderfully rich and creamy
1 oz hard cheese, grated – for added savory depth and meltiness
1 handful fresh basil, shredded – for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped – adds a touch of green and nutrients

How to Make Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Step 1: Heat the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nice and soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell its amazing aroma.
Step 2: Stir in the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing them well with the shallots and garlic. Let this mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This step really helps to meld all those wonderful flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained and rinsed butter beans. Stir it all together gently. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 5-10 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken nicely, creating that lovely base for our creamy white bean stew.
Step 5: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it into the sauce until it wilts down, adding a nice touch of green and extra nutrients.
Step 6: Lower the heat even further. Gently swirl in the heavy cream, then grate the hard cheese directly into the skillet. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This is a key step in how to make creamy butter beans so rich.
Step 7: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving, top with the fresh shredded basil. Serve this delightful butter bean dish warm, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping into those delicious butter beans with garlic.

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll master this easy butter bean recipe every time. These little tricks elevate the dish from good to absolutely incredible!

Always use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; it adds a concentrated flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Don’t rush the shallots; cooking them low and slow until soft is key to their sweet flavor.
Gently swirl in the cream and cheese right at the end, over low heat, to keep the sauce beautifully smooth.
Fresh basil added just before serving provides the brightest, most aromatic finish.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Butter Bean Sun?

The real magic lies in gently swirling in the cream and cheese at the very end, over low heat. This prevents curdling and keeps the sauce luxuriously smooth. Also, adding fresh basil right before serving preserves its vibrant aroma and lovely green color. For more insights on cooking techniques, you can check out our about page.

Can I make Creamy Butter Bean Sun ahead of time?

Absolutely! This hearty stew stores well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. For the best texture, especially if you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems a bit thick. For questions about storage, feel free to contact us.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Butter Bean Sun?

To avoid curdled cream, always add it at the very end over low heat. Don’t overcook the beans; a gentle simmer for 5-10 minutes is enough to thicken the sauce. For a flavor boost, ensure you’re using quality ingredients and don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. Understanding ingredient quality is important, and you can learn more about our standards on our terms and conditions page.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Butter Bean Sun

This delicious creamy butter bean recipe is so versatile! It’s fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special. For a truly satisfying meal, I love serving it with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into that rich, flavorful sauce. It’s almost like having butter beans in gravy!

You can also spoon this hearty stew over fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete vegetarian meal. It makes an excellent butter bean side dish that pairs beautifully with a light green salad to balance the richness. The smoky paprika and creamy beans are just perfect for a comforting dinner. If you’re interested in the health benefits of beans, you can explore resources on plant-based diets.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving for this delightful creamy butter bean recipe. This hearty dish is packed with goodness, offering a good balance of macronutrients.

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 15g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional data, please refer to our privacy policy.

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How to Store and Reheat Creamy Butter Bean Sun

Proper storage is key for enjoying this delicious creamy butter bean recipe later. Once the stew has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option, but I highly recommend doing this before you add the heavy cream and cheese to maintain the best texture.

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the stored stew on the stovetop over low heat, or pop it in the microwave. If it seems a bit thick, a small splash of vegetable broth or water will help loosen it up perfectly. These butter bean cooking tips ensure you get to enjoy this comforting dish again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Butter Bean Sun

What are butter beans good for?

Butter beans are wonderfully nutritious! They’re an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is great for digestion, and they also provide a good amount of plant-based protein. This makes them a satisfying and healthy addition to any meal, contributing to that feeling of fullness.

Can I use other beans?

Absolutely! While butter beans provide a unique creaminess, you can certainly use other types of beans. Cannellini beans or even chickpeas work beautifully in this dish. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well, just like you would with the butter beans, for the best results in your creamy white bean stew.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. If you love a bit of a kick, feel free to increase the cayenne or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.

How can I make it vegan?

Making this dish vegan is quite simple! Just swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream – it provides a similar richness. You’ll also want to omit the grated hard cheese. These simple substitutions allow you to enjoy a delicious, dairy-free version of this hearty stew.

Variations of Creamy Butter Bean Sun You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic creamy butter bean recipe, you’ll love experimenting with these fun variations! They offer new flavors and textures, making this already amazing dish even more exciting. These ideas are perfect for when you want to shake things up or use up pantry staples.

Spicy Butter Beans: For those who like it hot, amp up the heat by increasing the cayenne pepper to 1.5 or 2 teaspoons, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. This turns it into a truly fiery dish.
Creamy Butter Bean Salad: Let the stew cool completely, then serve it chilled over a bed of fresh mixed greens. The creamy texture is wonderful cold, and it makes for a refreshing lunch or light supper.
Butter Bean Mash Recipe: For a different texture, gently mash about half of the butter beans against the side of the pot with your spoon before adding the cream. This creates a thicker, heartier consistency, almost like a dip.
Sun Butter Beans with Sausage: Add about 8 ounces of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage (mild or hot) along with the butter beans in Step 4. This adds a savory, meaty element to the dish, making it even more filling.