Name: Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 heaping cups fresh basil leaves; 2 large cloves garlic; ⅓ cup walnuts; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 (15.5-ounce) cans butter beans, including canning liquid; ½ cup vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream; Extra Parmesan cheese for serving; Extra pesto for serving

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

There is something incredibly comforting and vibrant about this Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. The luscious creaminess of the sauce combined with the fresh, herbal punch of homemade basil pesto turns simple butter beans into a dish full of flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian main or a delicious side, this recipe hits all the right notes with a warm, satisfying feel that’s surprisingly effortless to create.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role—from the brightness of fresh basil to the richness of creamy Parmesan and the satisfying bite of butter beans. Here’s a list that will ensure your Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe comes out perfectly every time.

Basil (2 heaping cups): Fresh basil is the heartbeat of the pesto, delivering that unmistakable aromatic green freshness.
Garlic (2 large cloves + 1 minced): Adds a fragrant depth that wakes up all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Walnuts (⅓ cup): Offers a slight nuttiness and texture that make the pesto uniquely creamy and hearty.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A small hit of acidity brightens the pesto and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough spice to add warmth and a gentle kick.
Olive oil (½ cup + 2 tablespoons): Integral both for the pesto’s silky texture and for sautéing the onions to build the base of the beans.
Grated Parmesan (½ cup plus extra): The salty, umami-rich cheese that brings the pesto and creamy bean mixture together beautifully.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without making the dish taste salty.
Yellow onion (1 cup diced): Adds sweetness and body when softened in olive oil.
Butter beans (2 cans, 15.5-ounce each): Creamy, tender beans that soak up the luscious sauce, making the dish hearty.
Vegetable broth (½ cup): Used to loosen the beans and add savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream (½ cup): The luxurious ingredient that makes the beans wonderfully creamy and smooth.

How to Make Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Pesto

Start by pulsing the basil, garlic cloves, and walnuts in a food processor until everything is finely chopped but not completely smooth—you want some texture. Then, add in the lemon juice and black pepper to give the pesto that bright, peppery lift. While pulsing gently, drizzle in the olive oil to create a silky consistency. Finally, toss in the grated Parmesan and pulse just enough to combine it all, seasoning with salt to your taste. The pesto is now ready to add that fresh punch to your beans.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook it slowly until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take roughly 3 to 4 minutes. The warmth and subtle sweetness the onions develop here builds a flavorful foundation. Toss in the minced garlic and stir just until you can smell its fragrance—only about 30 seconds to a minute—so the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses the oil.

Step 3: Cooking the Beans

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the butter beans in their canning liquid along with the vegetable broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything gently and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, so the sauce thickens wonderfully and the beans soak up all those rich, creamy flavors.

Step 4: Adding the Pesto

Once the sauce has thickened and the beans are warm and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half a cup of the freshly made pesto. This step elevates the beans with vibrant herbal notes and a velvety texture that will have your taste buds buzzing. At this stage, you can adjust seasoning if needed, and your Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe is nearly complete.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe

A white round pot with two handles filled with a thick creamy sauce mixed with small pieces of white beans throughout the sauce, the color is light yellow to beige, and the texture looks smooth and rich with some bean chunks visible on the surface. The pot is placed on a black glass stovetop on a white marbled surface. The light reflects softly on the smooth sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a final flourish and an exciting layer of texture, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the beans. If you like, crisped prosciutto or toasted nuts are great for a salty crunch and look beautiful when scattered on top. A few extra dollops of pesto on the side add a pop of color and boost flavor intensity.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully versatile and pairs well with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a light, refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a lemony quinoa salad work beautifully too, especially if you want a more substantial meal that’s balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve the creamy beans spooned over grilled polenta rounds or even roasted sweet potatoes. You can also use the mixture as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a hearty spread on toasted baguette slices for a vibrant appetizer. The rich green pesto against the creamy white beans creates a visually inviting dish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for an even more robust taste on day two.

Freezing

You can freeze the creamy beans, but for best texture, separate the pesto before freezing. Freeze the bean mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and avoid curdling the cream. Adding a splash of vegetable broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that silky texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bean instead of butter beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini or great northern beans are excellent substitutes for butter beans, as they offer a similarly creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with pesto.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

You can swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep it deliciously dairy-free without losing that savory punch.

How can I make the pesto nut-free?

Simply leave out the walnuts and replace them with extra basil or add sunflower seeds for that slight nutty flavor and crunch without the allergens.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes! To make the recipe vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and replace heavy cream with a plant-based cream or coconut milk. These swaps keep the creamy texture and rich flavor intact.

What’s the best way to store leftover pesto?

Keep homemade pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both simple to make and brilliantly flavorful, this Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together fresh herbs, creamy textures, and comforting warmth in a way that feels special yet approachable enough for a weeknight meal. Give it a go, and I guarantee it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy, satisfying eating that still feels bright and fresh.

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