This simple and delicious creamy red pesto butter beans recipe are another easy one-pot vegetarian dinner idea that is high in protein and big on flavor. Serve with crusty bread, a scoop of soft cheese, and roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal. This meal is ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll all know by now that I am well and truly on the bean-hype train. Big bowls of beautiful beans are seriously trending right now, and it’s clear to see why: these types of dishes are quick, easy, and extremely versatile.

Other bean dishes you might like aside from this red pesto beans recipe include this creamy green pesto bean bowl, these cheesy leeks and beans, butter bean stew, and my viral creamy butter beans recipe.

Ingredient Notes

The exact quantities of the ingredients you need for this recipe are included in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here, I’ve added a few notes on the ingredients you need, plus a few potential substitutions you could make if you can’t eat/find a certain ingredient.

• Butter beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Capers
• Fresh tomatoes
• Tomato pesto
• Seasonings: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne chili pepper, Italian seasoning
• Soft cheese
• Basil

How To Make This Red Pesto Butter Beans Recipe

Again, the exact step-by-step instructions and ingredient quantities will be in the recipe card at the bottom of this page. 

Below is an overview of making this recipe, plus some process shots to help you visualize how this recipe should turn out.

Step 1) Saute Onion & Garlic

Heat your oil in your saucepan, and add your diced onion. Once you’ve sauteed it for 3-4 minutes, add your minced garlic.

Step 2) Add the fresh tomatoes, pesto, and seasonings

Tip in your fresh tomatoes, seasonings, and red pesto, stirring everything together.

Step 3) Add the butter beans and simmer

Add your butter beans (I use jarred butter beans and use the stock from the jar. If you’d rather drain the beans and rinse them, you could add about 150ml of water or vegetable stock instead). Cover the pan and let the beans simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every now and then so they don’t stick.

Step 4) Serve with soft cheese and basil

Serve the red pesto beans with a scoop of soft cheese (I used a garlic and herb cream cheese which was delicious!) and plenty of fresh basil.

What To Serve Your Red Pesto Butter Beans With

• Crusty bread
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
• Lemon garlic tahini yogurt sauce
• Over a baked potato
• With pasta

Storing

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover red pesto beans in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Reheat and make sure the leftovers are piping hot before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze your beans in an airtight container for up to three months. Defrost the beans in the refrigerator overnight before serving – and be sure to eat any leftovers within 24 hours of defrosting,

FAQ

Can I Use Dried Beans?

Yes, you could definitely use dried beans instead use tinned or jarred beans. You’ll need to factor the time it takes to soak and cook your beans into this recipe, though.

Are Butter Beans The Same As Lima Beans?

Yes, butter beans and lima beans are the same thing.

Can I Use A Different Bean For This Recipe?

Yes, cannellini beans and haricot beans would also work in this recipe.