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Creamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet

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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.

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

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the butter beans and gently stir to coat.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  9. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Remove from the heat.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cracked black pepper.
  14. 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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-lemon-pepper-butter-beans-skillet/