Creamy Butter Bean Pasta

This delectable pasta dish transforms humble butter beans into the star of a luxurious meal that just might inspire a proposal. Crispy roasted butter beans provide satisfying texture while a velvety Tuscan-inspired cream sauce coats each pasta tube with rich flavor. The combination creates a vegetarian masterpiece that proves special occasion food doesn't require meat or hours in the kitchen.

The first time I made this pasta for my family, my usually critical father-in-law asked for the recipe before finishing his bowl. Since then, it has become my go-to dish for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The contrast between the crispy beans and silky sauce creates magic that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Amazing Ingredients

• Butter beans: Offer a creamy interior texture with substantial bite. Look for canned varieties labeled "butter beans" or "lima beans" and rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch.
• Smoked paprika: Provides essential depth to the roasted beans. Spanish varieties offer the most authentic flavor, but Hungarian sweet paprika works in a pinch.
• Sundried tomatoes: Contribute concentrated umami richness to the sauce. Oil-packed varieties offer the most intense flavor, but dried ones rehydrated in hot water work well too.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious sauce base. Full-fat versions yield the silkiest results, though half and half can work for a lighter option.
• Rigatoni pasta: Captures the perfect amount of sauce in its ridges and hollow center. Choose bronze-cut pasta if available for superior sauce-gripping texture.

Cooking Method

Bean Roasting Technique:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Thoroughly drain and rinse the butter beans, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy results rather than steamed beans. In a medium bowl, toss the dried beans with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, crushed fennel seeds, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried sage, tossing again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Spread the beans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they have plenty of space between them. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through cooking time. The beans should develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior while maintaining their creamy interior texture.

Creating Silky Sauce:

While the beans roast, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rigatoni according to package directions until just al dente. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water to help thicken your sauce later. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add finely diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking just until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes, followed by vegetable broth, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors. Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety base. Gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until fully melted and incorporated.

Perfect Assembly:

Once your sauce has thickened slightly, add fresh spinach if using and cook just until wilted but still bright green. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, remembering that the roasted beans and Parmesan already contribute saltiness. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Fold in the crispy roasted butter beans, being careful not to break them. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Just before serving, stir in fresh chopped basil and remove from heat to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the crispy beans hit the creamy sauce. They maintain their texture for just long enough to create that perfect contrast in each bite. When my vegetarian sister requested something special for her birthday dinner, this dish completely outshone the meat options on the table, with everyone reaching for seconds of the butter bean pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Complete the meal with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Offer crusty sourdough bread on the side for sauce sopping. Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Creative Variations

Substitute white beans or chickpeas for butter beans. Add roasted cherry tomatoes for bursts of juicy freshness. Include caramelized lemon slices for citrusy brightness. Swap spinach for Tuscan kale or chard for heartier greens.

Storage Solutions

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce. Freeze the sauce separately from pasta for best quality when thawing.

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This Creamy "Marry Me" Butter Bean Pasta has become my signature dish for important occasions. The combination of humble ingredients transformed into something spectacular represents everything I love about cooking. Even my meat-loving brother requests this dish specifically when visiting, which I consider the ultimate compliment for a vegetarian recipe. The name truly fits, as the first bite often leads to marriage proposal jokes around our table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bean for this pasta recipe?

Yes! While butter beans give this dish its signature creamy texture, you can substitute cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

→ How do I store leftover Creamy Butter Bean Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth as the sauce tends to thicken when chilled.

→ Can I make this pasta dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The result will be just as creamy and delicious.

→ What can I serve with this Butter Bean Pasta?

This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.

→ Can I prep any components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the butter beans up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made a day in advance - just reheat gently and add the fresh spinach and basil when you're ready to serve.

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me' Butter Bean Pasta?

The name is inspired by the popular 'Marry Me Chicken' dish that's supposedly so delicious it prompts marriage proposals! This vegetarian version with butter beans has the same rich, creamy flavor profile that makes the original so irresistible.