Creamy Dreamy Butter Bean Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Vegan Delight

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish? Look no further! This Creamy Butter Bean Pasta is a weeknight winner, perfect for those days when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is naturally vegan (though easily adaptable for non-vegans), packed with flavor, and surprisingly healthy. The star of the show, butter beans (also known as lima beans), create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Let’s dive in!

## Why You’ll Love This Butter Bean Pasta

* **Creamy and Dreamy:** The butter beans, when blended, create a surprisingly rich and creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream or cheese. This makes it a lighter and healthier option.
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Vegan-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great option for plant-based eaters. It’s also easily adaptable if you’re not vegan (see variations below).
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique twist.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Butter beans are an affordable pantry staple, making this a cost-effective meal option.
* **Delicious!** The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. You’ll be craving this pasta again and again.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. I recommend using short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or shells, as they hold the sauce well. However, long pasta like spaghetti or linguine will also work.
* **Butter Beans:** 2 (15-ounce) cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed. Make sure to rinse them well to remove any excess starch or sodium.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 1 cup of vegetable broth. This will help create the creamy sauce and add flavor. You can also use water, but the broth adds a richer taste.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity.
* **Nutritional Yeast:** 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast (optional, but recommended). Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor to the sauce, making it even more delicious. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but I highly recommend trying it!
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and make it even creamier. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Butter Bean Sauce**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
* Add the drained and rinsed butter beans, vegetable broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully transfer the butter bean mixture to a blender or food processor. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the skillet.
* Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add the pasta water gradually, until you reach your desired consistency.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

**Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

* Pour the creamy butter bean sauce over the cooked pasta in the skillet or pot.
* Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the creamy butter bean pasta immediately. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
* This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this pasta dish. Some great options include spinach, kale, broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic and butter beans.
* **Add Protein:** For a more substantial meal, add some protein to the pasta. You can add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or tofu. If you’re vegan, you can add chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper.
* **Add Cheese:** For a non-vegan version, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top of the pasta before serving.
* **Use Different Beans:** While butter beans are the star of this recipe, you can also use other types of beans, such as cannellini beans, great northern beans, or navy beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Some great options include basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Add the herbs to the skillet along with the garlic.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Boost the Flavor:** Add a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic for a deeper flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the butter beans and broth.
* **For Extra Creaminess:** Add a tablespoon or two of vegan cream cheese or cashew cream to the sauce while blending for an even richer and creamier texture.
* **Make it Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and heat up the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Butter Bean Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve the pasta as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s filling and satisfying on its own.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve the pasta as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **For Lunch:** Pack the pasta in a container for a delicious and healthy lunch.
* **For a Potluck:** Bring the pasta to a potluck or gathering. It’s sure to be a hit!
* **With a Salad:** Serve the pasta with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice.
* **With Bread:** Serve the pasta with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the pasta is dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating.
* **Freezing:** While the pasta can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fiber: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

This Creamy Butter Bean Pasta is a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this pasta is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Butter Bean Pasta**

A simple and delicious vegan pasta dish with a creamy butter bean sauce.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, rotini, shells, spaghetti, or linguine)
* 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 cup vegetable broth
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
3. Add butter beans, vegetable broth, lemon juice, nutritional yeast (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and blend the mixture until smooth using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Add reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Stir in the fresh parsley.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley, olive oil, or red pepper flakes, if desired.

**Notes:**

* Add your favorite vegetables or protein for variations.
* For a non-vegan version, add Parmesan cheese.
* The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your Creamy Butter Bean Pasta!