Creamy Butter Beans in Florentine Sauce

Name: Creamy Butter Beans in Florentine Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (grated or pressed); 2 cups vegetable broth; ½ cup half-and-half ((or use heavy cream or a plant-based creamer)); 2 cans butter beans ((15 oz or 400 g each)); 5 ounces spinach; 1 ear fresh corn (or 1 heaping cup frozen corn); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; salt (and pepper to taste); ½ lemon (zest & juice)

A Creamy Dinner That Loves You Back

This Creamy Butter Beans in Florentine Sauce is the kind of cozy, heart-healthy dinner we keep coming back to. Louise and I love this dish because it’s comforting and creamy, yet packed with plant-based goodness.

Butter beans are naturally high in fiber and plant protein, making this a filling veggie-packed meal that supports healthy living 💚. Combined with spinach and sweet corn, the beans simmer in a lemony cream sauce that’s silky and satisfying—without being heavy.

Whether you serve it over baked potatoes, toasted sourdough, or enjoy it by the spoonful, it’s the kind of easy comfort food vegetarian recipe that feels indulgent but is actually good for you. Plus, it all comes together in one pan in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight vegetarian dinner 🥄.

Close-up of creamy white beans, spinach, and corn in a rich Florentine-style sauce.

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt—use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast to keep it vegan, or mix in extra veggies like kale or zucchini for even more nutrients.

High-fiber, high-protein, and rich in plant-based iron and calcium, this creamy white beans recipe is a delicious way to support your health while still enjoying comfort food 🍋.

Ingredients

Find complete ingredient list, quantities, and substitutions in the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a classic Mediterranean flavor. You can substitute avocado oil or butter for a richer dish.

Yellow onion: Offers a mild sweetness when sautéed. Shallots or red onion are great alternatives if you want a slightly different flavor base.

Garlic: Grated garlic melts into the sauce, adding depth. Roasted garlic or garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Vegetable broth: Creates a savory foundation without overpowering the dish. Mushroom broth adds umami, or use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.

Half-and-half: Adds creamy texture to the Florentine sauce keeping it a healthy creamy vegetarian recipe. Alternatively, swap in a oat, cashew, or soy-based creamer.

Butter beans: Their creamy texture makes this a perfect butter bean recipe for vegetarians. Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even lima beans can stand in well.

Baby spinach: Classic in Florentine-style dishes. You can use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed), kale, or chard as substitutes.

Fresh or frozen corn: Adds sweetness and bite. Try green peas or diced zucchini for a different seasonal twist.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami and saltiness. Pecorino Romano is sharper; nutritional yeast is great for dairy-free versions.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Sea salt or white pepper offer subtle changes.

Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the sauce and balances richness, making it a perfect touch for a quick spinach dinner idea.

How to Make Butter Beans in Florentine Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small yellow onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until soft and golden. Stir in 3 grated garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 1 Sautéing onion and garlic in skillet for flavor base of creamy butter bean sauce.

2. Build the Creamy Bean Base

Add 2 drained cans of butter beans, the kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn (or 1 heaping cup frozen), 2 cups of vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. The beans will soften and start to thicken the broth, creating a naturally creamy white beans recipe without needing flour or starch.

Step 2 Butter beans, corn, and broth simmering to build creamy texture

3. Wilt the Spinach

Add 5 ounces of spinach directly to the skillet. Stir until the leaves are wilted and tender, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3 Fresh spinach wilting gently into the creamy butter bean sauce.

4. Make It Creamy

Lower the heat. Stir in ½ cup of half-and-half, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, and the zest of half a lemon. Mix gently until the sauce turns silky and creamy. Taste and adjust salt or lemon to your liking.

Half-and-half, parmesan, and lemon stirred in to finish Florentine sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the warm, creamy beans over baked potatoes or thick slices of crusty bread. If using potatoes, slice them open and fluff the insides before topping. This easy comfort food vegetarian dish is perfect for cozy nights and quick weeknight dinners. Finish with extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Creamy butter bean in Florentine sauce served in a blue skillet with bread.

Tips

Use canned butter beans for speed: They’re soft, creamy, and perfect for weeknight vegetarian dinners. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
Sauté the onion slowly: Let it get golden and sweet—this adds depth and builds flavor right from the start.
Simmer until the beans thicken the broth: Don’t rush this step. The natural starches create a thick, comforting sauce without flour or cornstarch.
Add spinach last: Toss it in after simmering so it stays vibrant and doesn’t overcook.
Lower the heat before adding dairy: This prevents curdling and keeps the sauce smooth.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better and adds a nutty, savory finish. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan.
Don’t skip the lemon: The zest and juice brighten the dish and balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Serve over something hearty: This easy butter bean dinner is great over baked potatoes, toast, brown rice, or even pasta.
Customize with other veggies: Try chopped kale, roasted red peppers, or zucchini to make it a flexible, one pot creamy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, and it’s simple to do! Just use a plant-based creamer like oat or cashew instead of half-and-half, and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast. It still turns out rich, flavorful, and makes a healthy butter bean recipe the whole family can enjoy.

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

You can, but they’ll need to be soaked overnight and fully cooked before using. For speed and convenience, canned beans work best—especially when you’re aiming for a quick weeknight vegetarian dinner.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

This recipe also works with cannellini beans, chickpeas, or great northern beans. Any soft, starchy white bean will give you that creamy white beans recipe texture without needing added thickeners.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or plant-based milk if the sauce thickens too much.

What should I serve it with?

Try it over baked potatoes, toasted sourdough, rice, or pasta. It’s flexible, satisfying, and perfect when you’re craving something cozy and nourishing.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely. Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for best results.

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