Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta. Featuring roasted butter beans, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and decadence. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 9 oz (250 g) rigatoni or short pasta
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
For the Butter Beans:
- 14 oz (400 g) can butter beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- Olive oil (for tossing)
For the Sauce:
- ½ red onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup (140 g) sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach, chopped
- 1 small bunch of basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Butter Beans:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Toss the drained butter beans with olive oil, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and dried sage.
- Spread the beans on a roasting dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly crisped.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté diced red onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat slightly and cook, partially covered, for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add spinach and basil, stirring until just wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the roasted butter beans into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with lemon wedges, additional parmesan, or fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Keep the sauce creamy by using freshly grated parmesan.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a twist.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired