If you are craving a vibrant, savory dish that burst with Mediterranean flavors, this Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining creamy butter beans with the bold, briny punch of olives, capers, and anchovies, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a deliciously hearty meal that never feels heavy. This recipe is straightforward to make yet impressively satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something comforting but full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe is simple but essential, building layers of taste and texture that create its signature flavor. From the creamy butter beans that add body, to the tangy capers and salty olives that bring brightness, every component plays a key role in making the dish memorable and balanced.
- 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed): Creamy and mild, these beans provide a lovely base and protein boost.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently sauté the aromatics for depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, fragrant kick that is essential in puttanesca.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and body to balance the tangy ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained: Briny and slightly lemony, capers brighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped: Their rich, salty flavor is a hallmark of puttanesca sauce.
- 4 anchovy fillets (optional): For those who enjoy deeper umami, anchovies dissolve into the sauce for complexity.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: The fresh, juicy foundation that ties the sauce together with a natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, intensifying the sauce’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herbal warmth that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all elements into harmony.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright herbal finish that enlivens presentation and taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty topping that melts slightly when sprinkled on warm puttanesca.
How to Make Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft. This step unlocks gentle sweetness that balances the tangy elements. Next, stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, letting the fragrant aroma fill your kitchen as they cook for about a minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as you want it mellow and inviting, not bitter.
Step 2: Building the Sauce
Add the anchovy fillets now if you’re using them, breaking them up so they dissolve into the warm oil. This provides an incredible depth of umami that’s traditional in puttanesca. Then toss in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming rich and vibrant with that perfect balance of tartness and savoriness.
Step 3: Adding the Briny Ingredients and Butter Beans
Once your tomato sauce is bubbling happily, fold in the capers and Kalamata olives. These salty gems are what make puttanesca so distinctive and exciting. Then gently stir in the cooked butter beans, allowing them to warm through and soak up the bold flavors of the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper—it’s important to balance so the taste is bright and lively.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Turn off the heat and let your Butter Bean Puttanesca rest for a few minutes before serving. This short pause helps the flavors marry further. Just before plating, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top, adding a fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a simple yet powerful way to add color and fresh aroma to your plate. For an extra indulgent touch, grate some Parmesan cheese over the warm dish, letting it melt slowly into the sauce for a creamy, salty finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for scooping up every last bit of that tangy tomato sauce. Alternatively, serve it over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a more traditional meal, or alongside a crisp green salad to contrast textures beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the Butter Bean Puttanesca over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes, creating a cozy, rustic plate. You could also serve it in individual shallow bowls, garnished with colorful microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Butter Bean Puttanesca into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the same great flavors with minimal effort on busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just cool the dish completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will maintain its texture and flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Butter Bean Puttanesca in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is fine too—cover loosely and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make the Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the anchovy fillets and Parmesan cheese, and you’ll still have a wonderfully flavorful plant-based dish that shines with the natural brininess of olives and capers.
What can I substitute for butter beans?
If you don’t have butter beans on hand, cannellini beans or chickpeas make excellent substitutes, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor to complement the robust sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be as mild or as spicy as you like. The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred heat level or left out altogether for a gentler flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before guests arrive?
Yes! Butter Bean Puttanesca tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just reheat carefully before serving with fresh garnishes for a fuss-free entertaining option.
What do I serve with Butter Bean Puttanesca?
It’s perfect paired with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or over a bed of pasta. You can also get creative by serving it atop polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and boldness of the Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe that makes it a beloved staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or something a bit more special, it delivers hearty satisfaction and complex flavor with ease. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own; it may quickly become a favorite you reach for time and time again.
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Butter Bean Puttanesca Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Butter Bean Puttanesca is a flavorful and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy butter beans simmered in a robust sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies (optional). It combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements to create a satisfying vegetarian main course that can also accommodate non-vegetarian preferences. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe balances protein-rich butter beans with classic puttanesca flavors, served topped with fresh herbs and optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Beans and Base
- 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this point and stir.
- Add Capers, Olives, and Anchovies: Stir in the drained capers, chopped Kalamata olives, and anchovy fillets if using. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the anchovies to dissolve into the sauce base.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning: Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the tomato paste and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Butter Beans: Gently fold the cooked butter beans into the tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to heat through for another 5-7 minutes so the beans absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with an optional topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Add anchovies only if you are not vegetarian; they provide umami and depth to the sauce.
- Use canned butter beans for convenience, but freshly cooked beans offer a creamier texture.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit entirely for a mild dish.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or grains for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
