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A bowlful of beans is my meal of dreams and basil pesto butter beans with crispy prosciutto is one of my best bean recipes yet. Fat, luscious and smooth-centred butter beans wallow in a creamy (no cream) sauce that is piquant with garlic, pine nuts, basil and Parmesan, topped with a snap of frazzled prosciutto. Serve as an elegant Italian side dish or a hearty main.

Want more protein with your beans? Spanish chicken with bravas sauce welcomes a tin of white beans into its paprika-rich tomato sauce.

Top down shot of butter beans in a pan with creamy basil pesto sauce

Just when we thought we were out of the winter woods for the year, we’re being hit with another cold snap! This creamy butter beans recipe is the perfect inter seasonal dish though.

It carries all the warmth and comfort of a snow day bean stew, but with the bright promise of Spring thanks to the peppy pesto and splash of zesty lemon juice. Not much longer, folks!

Creamy butter beans

The creaminess of this butter beans recipe is all down to the beans themselves. There actually isn’t any cream in it at all.

This is an affiliate link.Butter beans have a beautiful consistency that is much softer than most other beans so after a good simmer in the garlicky, basily stock, they develop a rich whip-like texture which brings a thick, velvetiness to the sauce.

Butter beans, and beans in general, are my go-to ingredient. They contain vitamins, are high fibre, and pack additional protein which is why I love to sneak them into soups and stews. The hearty bean adds both bulk and nutritional value.

You’ll find them supporting in soups like chorizo and bean or starring in meals like white bean and sausage soup, Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun dried tomato, or Greek butter bean stew.

Close up shot of crispy prosciutto pieces in a small dish

Recipe Tips and Notes

The cost of tinned beans is in direct proportion to their quality. Buy the best quality you can afford for this bean-centred dish. There truly is a difference in taste and texture!
Before cooking, bite into one bean from the can to test its softness. Harder beans will need an additional ten minutes’ cooking time.
If you prefer using dried beans, go ahead! Follow the soaking and cooking instructions before embarking on this best bean recipe.
The same goes for pesto. Price and quality are proportionate. There is no shame in buying store bought- you can’t beat the convenience! But make it the best that’s available to you.
Even better- make your own homemade pesto. This tangy condiment has stacks of uses, it’s so worth the effort and the five minutes (!) of your time.
Finally, crispy prosciutto is the crowning glory. Unless you’re meat-free, promise you won’t skip it! The tanned and wrinkled rasher offers a welcome salty hit.
I advise against using bacon, its hench heft won’t bring the same wafer-like elegance.

Process shots prosciutto and butter beans being prepared before cooked in pan with creamy pesto sauce

Serving suggestions

This butter beans recipe makes for a fancy and more wholesome alternative to bog standard tinned beans on toast. Serve on a length of toasted, buttery sourdough with a simple salad. It’s an easy, quiet and comforting lunch or dinner for one.

If you are making this recipe for one, that means plenty of leftovers for less solitary and peaceful meals with the family later in the week. In that case, serve the pesto butter beans on the side with a herby whole roast chicken and roast potatoes and tenderstem broccoli. Or with chicken parmesan and a fresh tomato panzanella salad.

Storage and leftovers

Pesto butter beans can be kept in the fridge in an This is an affiliate link.airtight container for 4-5 days. To serve a second time around, re-do the crispy pancetta while reheating the beans on the stovetop, and add a fresh sprinkle of This is an affiliate link.Parmesan cheese.