Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans butter beans (15 oz / 400 g each), drained or 3 cups cooked butter beans
- 1½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Greens and Toppings
- 5 ounces spinach (about 5 cups)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained from the oil and chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
- 1 handful basil leaves for garnish
- Lemon zest for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Build the Flavor Base: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for an additional minute until it develops a rich and sweet aroma.
- Add the Beans and Broth: Add the drained butter beans to the skillet along with ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the beans to coat them in the tomato paste mixture. Pour in 1½ cups of vegetable or chicken broth and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beans become tender.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Add the spinach and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest, alongside crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or vegan option.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian; chicken broth is an option for more depth of flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; be sure to drain oil well to avoid excess grease.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your desired heat level.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to make it a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
