Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy one-skillet recipe
- Rich, creamy texture with fresh lemon flavor
- High in plant-based protein and fiber
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight meals
- Comforting yet light and fresh
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally vegetarian
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Skillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Finishing
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the butter beans and gently stir to coat.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cracked black pepper.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spinach Butter Beans: Stir in fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and vegan Parmesan.
- Herb Butter Beans: Add fresh thyme, basil, or dill.
- Mushroom Butter Beans: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the shallots.
- Spicy Lemon Butter Beans: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Chicken and Butter Beans: Stir in cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
What are butter beans?
Butter beans are large, creamy lima beans known for their soft texture and mild flavor.
Can I use dried butter beans?
Yes. Cook them fully before using in the recipe.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes. It is vegetarian as written.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute the cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
What can I serve with this skillet?
Crusty bread, rice, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Allow it to simmer a few extra minutes or add a little more Parmesan cheese.
Can I use another type of bean?
Yes. Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans work well as substitutes.
Is lemon pepper seasoning the same as this recipe?
Not exactly. This recipe uses fresh lemon and cracked black pepper for a brighter flavor.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats very well and is excellent for meal prep.
How can I add more protein?
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or extra beans for additional protein.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet is a simple yet elegant one-pan dish that combines creamy butter beans with bright lemon, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for entertaining. Whether served as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish, this comforting recipe delivers fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite.
PrintCreamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet
Creamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet is a bright and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a silky lemon cream sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect as a vegetarian main course or hearty side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the butter beans and gently stir to coat.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cracked black pepper.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Stir in fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
- Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for additional flavor.
- Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans can be substituted for butter beans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
