Amazing Spinach Pesto Butter Bean in 15 Minutes

You know those nights when you’re just *done*? Like, the thought of chopping a million things makes you want to just make toast? Yeah, I get those. That’s exactly how I discovered this absolute gem: the Spinach Pesto Butter Bean.
A close-up shot of Spinach Pesto Butter Bean, showcasing the vibrant green color and texture of the dish.


It’s become my go-to when I need something super flavorful and ridiculously easy. Seriously, it’s packed with good stuff like creamy butter beans and vibrant spinach, all tied together with a punch of pesto. Itโ€™s vegetarian, quick, and honestly, just plain delicious. This recipe is a lifesaver!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

  • Seriously Easy: We’re talking minimal chopping and maximum flavor in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those tired weeknights!
  • Flavor Explosion: Creamy butter beans plus bright, zesty pesto? Heck yes. It’s a flavor combo you’ll crave again and again.
  • Healthy & Hearty: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a satisfying meal that actually makes you feel good.
  • So Versatile: Eat it as is, spoon it over pasta, or serve it with crusty bread โ€“ it’s a star any way you slice it.

Ingredients for Your Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need to whip up this little bowl of goodness:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil โ€“ just a little to get things going
  • 1 onion, chopped โ€“ yellow or white works great!
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced โ€“ because garlic makes everything better, right?
  • 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed โ€“ these are the real stars!
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach โ€“ thatโ€™s about a big handful or two, maybe even a whole bag from the store!
  • 1/4 cup pesto โ€“ your favorite store-bought or homemade works perfectly
  • Salt and pepper to taste โ€“ season it up how you like it!

How to Prepare the Perfect Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Honestly, this recipe is so straightforward, it feels like cheating! You just need one pan and about 15 minutes. Itโ€™s the kind of thing I throw together when I want something GOOD without a fuss. Trust me, youโ€™ll nail this! If you’re looking for another easy weeknight wonder, my Honey Curry Roasted Cauliflower is a total winner too.

Sautรฉing Aromatics for Your Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

First things first, grab a nice big skillet and get it over medium heat. Add your olive oil โ€“ just a little splash is all it needs. Once it’s shimmied around a bit, toss in that chopped onion. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts looking all soft and see-through. Then, add your minced garlic. Be careful here, garlic burns fast! Just a minute is usually enough for it to get nice and fragrant.

Adding Beans and Spinach to the Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Okay, now for the stars of the show! Dump in your drained and rinsed butter beans. Give them a quick stir. Next, pile in that fresh spinach. It looks like a LOT, I know, but donโ€™t worry โ€“ itโ€™ll cook down like magic.
Close-up of vibrant green Spinach Pesto Butter Bean in a stainless steel bowl, ready to be served.
Youโ€™ll want to stir it all gently for about 3-5 minutes. Youโ€™re looking for the spinach to get nice and wilted, soft, and dark green. See? Told you it would shrink! It reminds me a bit of how quickly zucchini wilts in my Grilled Zucchini Chickpea Salad.

Finishing Touches for Your Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Now for the flavor boost! Stir in that lovely pesto until everything is coated in green goodness. Give it a taste โ€“ does it need more salt? A little crack of pepper? Youโ€™re the boss! This is where you make it *yours*. A little squeeze of lemon juice right at the end is also amazing if you have it. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Want to make this even more amazing? Here are a few little things I’ve learned along the way:

Good Pesto Makes a Difference: Seriously, if you have a favorite store-bought pesto or absolutely love making your own, use that! Itโ€™s the main flavor driver here, so a quality pesto really shines through. Itโ€™s like the secret ingredient that makes everything pop. If pesto isn’t your jam, you could try a sun-dried tomato spread too!

Don’t Overcook That Spinach: You want the spinach to wilt, but not turn into mush. Keep an eye on it during those few minutes and stir gently. Overcooked spinach can get a bit slimy, and we definitely don’t want that. A quick wilt retains its fresh flavor and color beautifully. Think of it like my Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta โ€“ you want those flavors to meld, not turn to goo!

Taste and Adjust!: This is the golden rule of cooking, right? After you stir in the pesto, give it a taste. Does it need a pinch more salt? A grind of black pepper? Maybe a little splash of lemon juice to brighten it up? Youโ€™re the chef, so make it perfect for *your* taste buds!

Ingredient Notes and Spinach Pesto Butter Bean Substitutions

Okay, let’s chat ingredients for a sec! Pesto is the star here, so use one you really love. Store-bought is totally fine, but if you’ve got homemade, go for it! You can even play around with adding a little extra basil or pine nuts if you’re feeling fancy. If butter beans aren’t your favorite, cannellini beans or even chickpeas would totally work in this Spinach Pesto Butter Bean recipe. Theyโ€™ll give it a slightly different texture but still be super delicious. For more healthy greens, check out my Keto Spinach Wrap!

Serving and Storing Your Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

This Spinach Pesto Butter Bean is so wonderfully versatile! It’s fantastic all on its own as a quick lunch or a light dinner. For something a bit heartier, I love serving it spooned over fluffy couscous or creamy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
Close-up of Spinach Pesto Butter Bean pasta dish with fresh herbs.
Some crusty bread to sop up all that pesto goodness is also never a bad idea! If you have leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a good 2-3 days. To reheat, just give it a gentle warm-up in a skillet over low heat, maybe with a tiny splash of water or olive oil if it looks a little dry. It’s still delicious the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions about Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Got questions about whipping up this easy Spinach Pesto Butter Bean delight? Iโ€™ve got you covered!

Can I make Spinach Pesto Butter Bean ahead of time?

You sure can! It holds up really well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat it gently on the stove.

What can I serve with Spinach Pesto Butter Bean?

Itโ€™s great on its own, but itโ€™s also delicious with some crusty bread, over pasta, or served alongside fluffy Greek lemon rice!

Is this Spinach Pesto Butter Bean recipe vegan?

This version is vegetarian because pesto often contains Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, just use a dairy-free pesto and skip the cheese if your pesto has it!

Nutritional Information for Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

Just a heads-up, the numbers below are estimates, you know? They can change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile onto your plate! But for a typical serving of this yummy Spinach Pesto Butter Bean, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories, about 15g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbs, with a good 10g of fiber to keep you full!

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A spoonful of vibrant Spinach Pesto Butter Bean mix being scooped, dripping sauce.

Print

Spinach Pesto Butter Bean

A simple and flavorful dish featuring butter beans, spinach, and pesto.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the butter beans and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the pesto and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
  • For a heartier meal, serve over pasta or rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: spinach, pesto, butter beans, vegetarian, quick meal, easy recipe

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