The Creamiest Butter Beans with Ricotta & Basil Recipe

Creamy, soft butter beans dance with delicate ricotta in this Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises pure comfort.

The unexpected harmony of butter beans ricotta basil creates a symphony of flavors that will surprise your palate.

Fresh basil leaves add a bright, aromatic touch to the rich, velvety mixture.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that feels both elegant and rustic.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a perfect weeknight meal or casual gathering option.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this delightful culinary creation.

Reasons to Love Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Combination: Enjoy the creamy texture of butter beans blended with rich ricotta, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil pesto that creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a stunning appetizer, satisfying side dish, or light main course that adapts to any meal setting, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
• Nutrient-Rich Comfort: Indulge in a protein-packed, vegetarian-friendly recipe that delivers both incredible taste and nutritional benefits in one delightful dish.

Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto – What You’ll Need

• Butter Beans: Creamy and mild-flavored legumes that provide a smooth, hearty base for the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild Italian cheese that adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the bean mixture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, fresh flavor to the pesto and garnish.

• Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic: Classic pesto ingredients that create a rich, nutty, and savory sauce with complex flavor profiles.
• Olive Oil: Smooth liquid that helps blend and emulsify the pesto ingredients into a cohesive sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper: Bright citrus elements and basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Additional Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a final touch of color and aromatic freshness as a garnish.

Crafting Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto, Step by Step

Step 1: Whip Up Vibrant Basil Pesto

• Fresh basil leaves
• Pine nuts
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pulse everything until finely chopped.

Keep the processor running and slowly stream in olive oil until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce.

Step 2: Create Zesty Bean Mixture

• Drained butter beans
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Bright lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir until ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 3: Build Beautiful Layers

Spread the bean mixture onto a stunning serving platter.

Generously drizzle the vivid green pesto across the top, making sure every bean gets a gorgeous coat.

Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Step 4: Savor and Enjoy

Serve this delightful dish as a light lunch or alongside grilled chicken.

Crusty bread or a crisp green salad makes the perfect companion.

Bon appétit!

Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto – Pro Advice

• Choose vibrant, bright green basil leaves without any brown spots for the most flavorful and aromatic pesto.
• Add olive oil slowly while blending to control the thickness and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats the beans perfectly.
• Swap ricotta for Greek yogurt or silken tofu to create a protein-packed, lighter version suitable for vegans or those seeking alternative options.
• Rinse canned butter beans thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess liquid, preventing a watery final dish and maintaining a creamy, rich mouthfeel.
• Toast pine nuts briefly before adding to the pesto to release their nutty essence and intensify the overall taste of the dish.

Creative Swaps for Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto

• Mediterranean Chickpea Swap: Replace butter beans with chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative with a slightly firmer texture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Cheese Dream: Substitute ricotta with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a completely plant-based version that maintains creamy richness.
• Herb Garden Remix: Swap basil pesto with a vibrant cilantro or parsley pesto to create a different herbal profile while keeping the dish's core essence.
• Gluten-Free Green Plate: Serve alongside quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option that complements the creamy beans and zesty pesto perfectly.

Serving Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto Creatively

• Party Platter Perfection: Spread the creamy beans on a large wooden board, drizzle pesto artfully, and surround with toasted crostini for an elegant appetizer that guests will love.
• Picnic Power Lunch: Pack the beans in mason jars, keep pesto separate, and enjoy as a protein-packed cold meal during outdoor adventures or work lunch breaks.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Serve alongside olives, roasted vegetables, hummus, and warm flatbread to create a vibrant, shareable Mediterranean-style feast that celebrates fresh ingredients.
• Protein-Packed Breakfast Bowl: Top the creamy beans with a soft-poached egg, extra pesto drizzle, and fresh herbs for a nutritious morning meal that energizes your day.

Storing Creamy Beans with Lemon Pesto the Right Way

• Store the creamy beans with lemon pesto in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the basil pesto and bean mixture in separate containers to preserve their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
• Enjoy the dish within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality. The ricotta and beans tend to lose their creamy consistency and vibrant flavors after this period.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the ricotta and pesto may separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed, compromising the overall taste and appearance.

FAQs

• What are butter beans, and can I use a different type of bean?

Butter beans are large, creamy white beans also known as lima beans. You can substitute with cannellini or great northern beans for a similar texture and flavor.

• Is pine nuts essential for the pesto?

Pine nuts add a rich, buttery flavor, but they can be expensive. You can replace them with more affordable options like walnuts or almonds without compromising the pesto’s taste.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted chickpeas to increase the protein content and make the dish more filling.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products and can easily be made vegan by replacing ricotta with a plant-based alternative.

Butter Beans Ricotta Basil Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy butter beans mingle with smooth ricotta in this Italian-inspired delight. Herbaceous basil and silky cheese elevate simple ingredients, promising pure comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 ounces / 400 grams each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Basil Pesto:

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings & Garnish:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant basil pesto by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. Slowly stream olive oil while processing to create a silky, aromatic sauce.
2. Drain and rinse butter beans, then gently fold into creamy ricotta cheese. Incorporate bright lemon zest and juice, seasoning with salt and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Artfully spread the lemon-infused bean mixture onto a serving platter, creating an inviting base for the dish.
4. Lavishly drizzle the prepared basil pesto over the beans, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
5. Enhance the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves across the top, adding a final touch of color and herbaceous aroma.
6. Serve immediately at room temperature, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize pesto by swapping pine nuts with more affordable alternatives like sunflower seeds or walnuts for budget-friendly preparation.
• Make the dish vegan-friendly by replacing ricotta with silken tofu or cashew cream and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or crispy chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and maintain freshness for up to one week in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 15mg