These Arrabbiata Butter Beans are hearty, spicy - and packed with flavor! This dish takes tender butter beans and simmers them in a garlicky tomato sauce with just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes.
If you're into big flavor and a little fiery kick, you're going to love these Arrabbiata Butter Beans!
We're talking tender butter beans swimming in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with just the right hit of chilli flakes to keep things interesting. Think of it as your favourite spicy pasta sauce - just without the pasta (but hey, you could absolutely add some on the side). Whether you call them spicy butter beans or arrabbiata beans, this one's bold, cosy, and seriously satisfying.
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❤️ What's Great About this Recipe
- 🍅 Big, bold flavors - These Arrabbiata Butter Beans are simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce with just the right kick of red pepper flakes. Perfect for fans of spicy butter beans!
- ⏱️ Quick and fuss-free - Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy evenings when you want something delicious without the wait.
- 🌱 Simple pantry staples - Made with butter beans, tinned tomatoes, and dried herbs - no complicated ingredients here!
- 🧄 Crispy garlic topping - The golden garlic crisps add crunch and bold flavor, taking this dish to the next level.
- 🥄 Versatile serving options - Enjoy these arrabbiata beans on their own, with crusty bread for dipping, or as a side dish.
- 🌶️ Customizable heat - Adjust the red pepper flakes to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
- 🥘 One-pan wonder - Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything (except the garlic crisps!) cooks in one pan.
🌱 Ingredients & Notes
Here is everything you need for this recipe:
- Olive Oil - Use a good-quality olive oil to sauté the aromatics and fry the garlic crisps. It adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Onion - Finely chop one medium onion. It softens as it cooks and forms the base of the spicy tomato sauce.
- Garlic - You’ll need two cloves minced for the sauce and three thinly sliced for the garlic crisps. Garlic adds bold flavor and a crispy, aromatic topping!
- Red Pepper Flakes & Dried Oregano - These spices bring the heat and a touch of earthy flavor. Adjust the flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Butter Beans (Canned) - Use two cans of butter beans, aka lima beans, drained and rinsed. These are the star of the dish, soaking up all the spicy, tangy tomato goodness.
- Chopped Tomatoes (Canned) - One can of chopped tomatoes creates the rich, tangy base for this Arrabbiata Butter Beans recipe.
- Tomato Paste - Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce for that perfect consistency.
- Fresh Basil - Chop most of it to stir into the sauce and save a few leaves for garnish. It adds a pop of freshness and balances the heat.
For Serving:
- Freshly Toasted Bread (optional) - Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the spicy tomato sauce. Optional, but highly recommended!
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.
🔪 Equipment
Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large Pan - Use a wide, deep pan to hold all the Arrabbiata Butter Beans and sauce. It ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula - Perfect for stirring the beans and sauce. A silicone spatula is a great choice if you're using a non-stick pan.
- Small Pan - Needed for frying the garlic crisps. Use a pan with good heat control to avoid burning the garlic.
- Sharp Knife - For chopping onions, garlic, and basil. A sharp knife makes prep quicker and easier.
- Cutting Board - Essential for chopping ingredients. A sturdy one will make the process smoother.
- Can Opener - Required to open the cans of butter beans and chopped tomatoes.
🧑🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil, toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until soft.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and oregano, then stir in tomato paste for a spicy kick.
Step 3: Add Butter Beans & Tomatoes
Mix in butter beans and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then let it all simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Crispy Garlic Time
Slice garlic thinly and fry in olive oil until golden and crunchy.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Stir in fresh basil, save some for garnish, and top with those irresistible garlic crisps. Serve warm and enjoy your spicy arrabbiata butter beans!
📌 If you love Pinterest you can pin any of the images to your boards!
🍽️ Serving
Serve these Arrabbiata Butter Beans warm and cozy in a bowl. Grab some crusty bread to soak up that rich, spicy tomato sauce - trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
Feeling fancy? Pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies on the side.
These spicy butter beans are perfect on their own, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Enjoy them straight from the pot or make them the star of your next dinner spread!
❄️ Storage
If you’ve got leftover Arrabbiata Butter Beans, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to dig back in, just reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the sauce feels too thick.
💡 Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use Good-Quality Butter Beans: The butter beans are the star of this dish, so make sure to grab high-quality canned ones. Rinse them well to get rid of any extra salt or starchy residue for the best flavor and texture.
- Pan Choice Matters: Use a wide, deep pan to give the beans plenty of space to simmer evenly. Plus, it helps prevent any sauce splashes - nobody wants to clean that up!
- Let It Simmer: Giving the dish a full 15 minutes to simmer allows the beans to soak up all that spicy, tangy sauce. It’s worth the wait for maximum flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Crisps: These crispy little gems are the ultimate topping. Fry them low and slow to avoid burning, and trust me - you’ll want to make extra because they’re addictive!
- Go Easy on the Oil for Garlic Crisps: You only need a little olive oil to fry the garlic slices. Too much oil and they’ll end up greasy instead of crispy.
- Customize with Greens: Feeling like an extra veggie boost? Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt beautifully into the sauce.
- Add Fresh Basil at the End: Stirring in fresh basil right before serving keeps its flavor bright and herby. Save a few leaves for garnish - it’s a simple touch that makes the dish look extra fancy.
Did you make this recipe? If so, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and star rating & let me know how you liked this recipe? THANK YOU! ❤️
🔜 Related Recipes
If you’re into hearty, plant-based meals, you’ll love my Creamy Butter Bean Curry - it’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. Or, try my Butter Beans alla Vodka for a creamy and slightly tangy twist on your favorite beans!
Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:
📖 Recipe Card
Arrabbiata Butter Beans
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1-2 teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 cans Butter Beans 480g drained weight
- 1 can Chopped Tomatoes 400g
- 1 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 handful Fresh Basil chopped
For the Garlic Crisps:
- 3 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- Olive Oil for Frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Freshly Toasted Bread
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it's warm, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook until the onion turns soft and translucent. This is the base of your sauce, so take your time - don’t rush it!
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Stir everything together so the spices coat the onions and garlic. Now add the tomato paste and mix well. Let it cook for a minute to bring out its rich, tangy flavor.
- Drain and rinse your butter beans, then add them to the pan. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and give it all a good stir. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the beans to soak up all the spicy, tomatoey goodness.
- While the beans are simmering, it’s time to make the garlic crisps. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and heat a splash of olive oil in a small pan over low-medium heat. Add the slices to the hot oil and fry them gently. Watch closely—they’ll turn golden and crispy in no time. Once they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel to drain.
- When the beans are ready, stir in most of the chopped fresh basil. Save a few leaves for garnish. Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the spicy butter beans into bowls. Top with your crispy garlic slices and the reserved basil leaves. Serve them on their own or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Dig in and enjoy those bold flavors!
Notes
- Serving - These Arrabbiata Butter Beans are best served warm and cozy in a bowl. Pair them with crusty bread for scooping up all that spicy, tangy sauce. Add a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side for a complete meal.
- Storage - Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating - To reheat, warm the beans gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems a little thick, just add a splash of water to loosen things up.
- Spice Level - Love it hot? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes when serving. Prefer it milder? Stick to a smaller amount while cooking and skip the extra sprinkle.
- Garlic Crisps - Don’t skip the garlic crisps - they add amazing crunch and flavor that truly completes the dish. Fry them slow and low to avoid burning!
- Fresh Basil - Stirring fresh basil into the sauce at the end adds a pop of brightness that balances out the heat. Save a few leaves for garnish - they make the dish look extra special!
- Pan Choice - Use a wide, deep pan to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. This helps the butter beans soak up all the saucy goodness!
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