Butter Bean Puttanesca

This Butter Bean Puttanesca is one of those dishes that brings the kind of comfort you crave, with a little touch of Mediterranean magic. It’s packed with bold flavors—tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and capers—rounded out by the creamy goodness of butter beans. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels just as special as it is simple to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, this dish will surely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love Butter Bean Puttanesca

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making mealtime feel special. Here’s why it’s such a keeper:

Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish fits every occasion. You can easily double the batch for a crowd, and it still feels fresh and exciting.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make something delicious. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely already have everything you need.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for even the busiest days.

Customizable: Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own! Add more olives, spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes, or toss in a handful of greens for extra color and nutrition.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish has a little something for everyone. The rich tomato sauce, briny olives, and creamy butter beans are a combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s a look at what goes into this amazing Butter Bean Puttanesca. Simple, fresh, and totally irresistible:

Butter Beans: The creamy stars of the dish. Butter beans (also known as lima beans) are buttery and tender, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce. They’re filling, satisfying, and add a lovely texture.

Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes create the base of this sauce, providing that rich, savory goodness that makes the dish come alive. You can use fresh tomatoes or canned—whichever you prefer!

Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic! It brings that earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the olives and capers.

Olives: I love using green olives in this dish. Their briny, slightly bitter flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the beans.

Capers: A must-have for puttanesca. These little bursts of brine bring a sharp, zesty punch to the dish, making every bite pop with flavor.

Olive Oil: The base of the sauce, this adds richness and helps to bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Anchovies: While optional, anchovies bring an incredible umami flavor to the dish. Don’t worry; they melt into the sauce, so you won’t even notice them, but the depth they add is undeniable.

Herbs (Oregano and Basil): Fresh or dried, these herbs add a fragrant, savory note to balance out the other strong flavors in the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the easy steps to make this flavorful masterpiece:

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for all those beautiful flavors to meld together.

Cook the Garlic and Anchovies (if using): Add the minced garlic to the oil, cooking it until fragrant—about 1 minute. If you’re using anchovies, toss them in now and let them dissolve into the oil, adding a deliciously savory depth.

Add the Tomatoes: Next, add in your tomatoes (fresh or canned), breaking them down with the back of a spoon. Let them cook down into a rich sauce, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the Olives, Capers, and Herbs: Once the tomatoes are soft and saucy, stir in the olives, capers, oregano, and basil. The olives and capers bring a punch of briny flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Add the Butter Beans: Now, it’s time for the butter beans! Stir them in gently, allowing them to warm through and soak up all those amazing flavors. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes, so everything melds into a glorious sauce.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Butter Bean Puttanesca warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if you like. It’s perfect on its own or with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that beautiful sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Butter Bean Puttanesca

This dish is amazing on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it a little more, here are a few ideas:

• With Crusty Bread: The sauce is so flavorful, and there’s nothing better than dipping a piece of warm, crusty bread into it. You could even make some garlic bread for a little extra touch.
• Over Pasta: If you’re craving something more substantial, serve it over pasta! A nice spaghetti or linguine would work perfectly with this saucy dish.
• With a Green Salad: A simple, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the puttanesca.
• On Top of Rice: If you want a hearty meal, spoon this dish over some fluffy rice to help absorb all the flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra ideas to get the most out of this dish:

• Prep Ahead: The beauty of this dish is that it actually gets better as it sits. If you have the time, make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge—just reheat before serving.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes to the sauce or toss in a fresh chopped chili.
• Swap the Beans: If you’re not a fan of butter beans, you can swap them out for cannellini beans or chickpeas. Both will work beautifully in this dish.
• Dietary Adjustments: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by skipping the anchovies (they’re optional!). To make it gluten-free, simply serve it with rice or gluten-free pasta.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bean?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of butter beans, you can use white beans, chickpeas, or even kidney beans. They’ll all work well in this dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this dish is actually better the next day! The flavors really have time to come together, so you can prep it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze Butter Bean Puttanesca?
A3: Yes! It freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How can I make it spicier?
A4: If you like heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

Q5: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A5: Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great shortcut and will still give you that rich, sweet tomato flavor. Just be sure to use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best result.

Q6: What kind of olives should I use?
A6: Green olives are typically used in puttanesca, but black olives will also work well. Go for pitted olives to make prep easier.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A7: Definitely! You could add some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix for extra color and nutrients. Just make sure to add them early so they cook down nicely.

Q8: What if I don’t like anchovies?
A8: No worries! Anchovies are optional in this dish. If you don’t want to use them, simply skip them and you’ll still have a fantastic sauce.

Q9: Can I serve this with pasta?
A9: Yes! It’s fantastic served over pasta. Spaghetti or any long noodle would be the perfect match for the chunky, flavorful sauce.

Q10: How can I make this dish more filling?
A10: If you want to make it heartier, serve it over rice, quinoa, or your favorite grains. You could also add more beans or vegetables for added bulk.

Conclusion

This Butter Bean Puttanesca is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—bold flavors, creamy beans, and a sauce that will have you scraping the pan for every last drop. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or simply with bread, it’s a meal that will make everyone at the table feel like they’re eating something special. So go ahead, treat yourself to this delicious, easy-to-make dish—you won’t regret it!

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