If you’re in search of a dish that is deeply comforting, packed with robust flavour, and incredibly simple to make, this Butter Bean Puttanesca is your answer. This recipe takes the bold, briny elements of a classic Italian puttanesca sauce—olives, capers, garlic, and a hint of chili—and pairs them with the wonderfully creamy texture of butter beans.
It’s a one-pot wonder that feels both rustic and sophisticated, delivering a satisfying, plant-based meal that tastes like it has been simmering for hours, yet comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deeply Satisfying: The creamy butter beans provide a hearty, filling base, making this a substantial meal that is pure comfort food.
- Robust Italian Flavours: It features a dynamic taste profile, from the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes to the salty punch of olives and capers, all grounded in an aromatic garlic and chili base.
- One-Pot Simplicity: The entire dish is made in a single skillet, which means more flavour development and minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect weeknight hero.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: This is an ideal recipe for busy days when you crave a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is naturally vegan and can be easily customized. Serve it as a main, a side, or add other vegetables and proteins to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here are the key components that create this flavourful dish:
- Butter Beans: The creamy, hearty foundation of the dish. Canned beans work perfectly for convenience.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These burst during cooking to create a fresh, sweet, and chunky sauce.
- Olives & Capers: The classic puttanesca duo, providing a signature salty, briny kick that defines the sauce. Kalamata or other black olives are ideal.
- Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: The aromatic base that infuses the oil with flavour and a touch of warmth.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and adding richness.
- Vegetable Broth: Creates the savoury sauce and brings all the elements together.
- Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance the flavours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Build the Sauce Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst. Stir in the olives and capers and cook for another minute to allow their flavours to meld.
3. Simmer with Beans Add the rinsed and drained butter beans along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine, bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavours to deepen.
4. Finish and Garnish Taste the puttanesca and season with salt and pepper as needed—the olives and capers will have already added a good amount of salt. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley.
5. Serve and Enjoy Serve the Butter Bean Puttanesca hot, perhaps with a final drizzle of olive oil.
How to Serve
- With Crusty Bread: A must for mopping up every last bit of the flavourful sauce.
- Over Grains or Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve it over creamy polenta, quinoa, or your favourite pasta shape.
- As a Hearty Side: It pairs beautifully with simple grilled fish, such as sea bass, or roasted chicken.
Additional Tips
- Bean Swaps: If you don’t have butter beans, cannellini beans or even chickpeas would work well as a substitute.
- Make it Spicier: For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili with the garlic.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until just wilted.
Preparation Time and Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fibre: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different beans? A1: Absolutely. Cannellini beans are the closest substitute in terms of creaminess. Great northern beans or chickpeas would also be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish in advance? A2: Yes, it reheats beautifully. The flavours often taste even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Does this dish freeze well? A3: Yes, this puttanesca freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q4: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? A4: Yes. A 14-ounce (400g) can of chopped or whole cherry tomatoes would be a great substitute.
Q5: What other vegetables could I add? A5: Finely diced zucchini, bell peppers, or chopped artichoke hearts would be wonderful additions. Sauté them after the garlic until they are tender.
Q6: Is this recipe vegan? A6: Good news—this recipe is already vegan by nature! Just ensure you are using a vegan vegetable broth.
Q7: What other herbs can I use besides parsley? A7: Fresh basil would be a delicious alternative, or a sprinkle of dried oregano could be added during the cooking process.
Conclusion
Butter Bean Puttanesca is a perfect example of how humble pantry staples can be transformed into something truly special. It delivers a satisfying contrast between the creamy, comforting beans and the punchy, vibrant sauce, creating a dish that is both nourishing and exciting to eat. It’s a flavour-packed meal that proves delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. We hope it becomes a new favourite in your recipe rotation.
Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe
Butter Bean Puttanesca is a twist on the classic Italian Puttanesca pasta, replacing traditional pasta with buttery, tender butter beans. This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with bold ingredients like olives, capers, garlic, tomatoes, and anchovies, all simmered together to create a delicious, savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal or a light, protein-packed vegetarian dish.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
4 anchovy fillets (optional, for non-vegetarian version)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Flavorings:
Stir in the anchovy fillets (if using), capers, and olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the anchovies dissolve and everything is well-mixed.
Simmer the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Add the Butter Beans:
Stir in the cooked butter beans and continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve:
Serve the Butter Bean Puttanesca in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
Notes
If you prefer a vegan version, simply omit the anchovies and Parmesan cheese.
You can add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a little extra depth of flavor.
Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or even quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Sautéing, Simmering
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 280Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0
