15 Classic Italian Butter Bean Recipes Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its fresh flavors, wholesome ingredients, and heartwarming dishes.

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a staple in many Italian recipes due to their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.

Incorporating butter beans into Italian dishes creates meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.

From hearty soups to flavorful salads and pasta dishes, butter beans add richness and depth to every recipe.

In this article, we present 15 Italian butter bean recipes that are perfect for lunches, dinners, or light snacks.

These recipes combine classic Italian herbs, vegetables, and seasonings with the creamy goodness of butter beans.

15 Classic Italian Butter Bean Recipes Perfect for Lunch or Dinner

These 15 Italian butter bean recipes showcase the versatility and flavor of this humble legume.

From comforting soups to refreshing salads and pasta dishes, butter beans can elevate any meal.

They are nutritious, protein-rich, and perfect for a balanced diet.

Making these recipes at home allows you to enjoy authentic Italian flavors with wholesome ingredients.

With these recipes, butter beans become a delicious, satisfying, and essential part of your Italian-inspired cooking.

Creamy Italian Butter Bean Soup

This creamy Italian butter bean soup is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor.

It combines tender butter beans with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for a hearty base.

Tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of olive oil add depth and authentic Italian flavor.

This soup is perfect for a cozy lunch, dinner, or light supper on chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic, oregano, and basil, and cook for 1 more minute.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, butter beans, and vegetable broth.
• Simmer for 20-25 minutes until flavors meld.
• Blend partially with an immersion blender for creamy texture.

This creamy Italian butter bean soup is hearty, flavorful, and aromatic.

It is perfect for cozy meals or a light dinner.

Every spoonful delivers tender beans, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

It provides a comforting, wholesome, and satisfying Italian-inspired dish.

Italian Butter Bean and Spinach Salad

This Italian butter bean and spinach salad is fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed.

It combines tender butter beans, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a tangy vinaigrette.

Fresh herbs like parsley and basil enhance the flavor, while olive oil and lemon juice add brightness.

This salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine butter beans, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for dressing.
• Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
• Sprinkle parsley and basil on top.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This Italian butter bean and spinach salad is fresh, tangy, and vibrant.

It is perfect for a light, healthy lunch or side dish.

Every bite delivers tender beans, crisp greens, and aromatic herbs.

It provides a refreshing, wholesome, and flavorful Italian-inspired salad experience.

Italian Butter Bean and Tomato Pasta

This Italian butter bean and tomato pasta is hearty, simple, and full of authentic flavor.

It combines al dente pasta with tender butter beans, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.

Olive oil and a touch of Parmesan add richness and depth to the dish.

This pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 12 oz pasta of choice
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly softened.
• Stir in butter beans and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Toss pasta with the mixture and sprinkle Parmesan and basil on top.

This Italian butter bean and tomato pasta is comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

It is perfect for weeknight meals or casual dinners.

Every bite delivers tender pasta, sweet tomatoes, and creamy butter beans.

It provides a wholesome, delicious, and Italian-inspired pasta experience.

Italian Butter Bean Bruschetta

This Italian butter bean bruschetta is fresh, creamy, and perfect as an appetizer.

It combines mashed butter beans with roasted garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

Served on toasted slices of crusty bread, it offers a crunchy, flavorful bite.

This dish is ideal for parties, snacks, or a light starter before dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 2 cloves roasted garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted

Instructions:

• Mash butter beans and roasted garlic together in a bowl.
• Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the mixture on toasted baguette slices.
• Garnish with additional basil if desired.
• Serve immediately.

This Italian butter bean bruschetta is creamy, flavorful, and aromatic.

It is perfect for appetizers or casual snacking.

Every bite delivers creamy butter beans with fragrant herbs and garlic.

It provides a light, fresh, and satisfying Italian-inspired starter.

Italian Butter Bean Stew with Vegetables

This Italian butter bean stew with vegetables is hearty, nutritious, and comforting.

It combines butter beans, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes with Italian herbs and olive oil.

Slow simmering allows flavors to meld, producing a rich and aromatic stew.

This dish is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner, and it can be enjoyed with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper until softened.
• Add zucchini, tomatoes, butter beans, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

This Italian butter bean stew with vegetables is hearty, aromatic, and flavorful.

It is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy meal.

Every spoonful delivers tender beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant Italian herbs.

It provides a wholesome, comforting, and nutritious Italian-inspired dish

Italian Butter Bean and Kale Sauté

This Italian butter bean and kale sauté is healthy, vibrant, and full of Italian flavors.

It combines tender butter beans with fresh kale, garlic, and a hint of chili flakes.

Olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish and enhance its natural flavors.

This sauté is perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for pasta or grains.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic and chili flakes for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in butter beans and cook for 3 more minutes.
• Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

This Italian butter bean and kale sauté is flavorful, vibrant, and nutritious.

It is perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Every bite delivers tender beans, savory kale, and aromatic garlic.

It provides a wholesome, healthy, and Italian-inspired vegetable dish.

Italian Butter Bean and Roasted Vegetable Bake

This Italian butter bean and roasted vegetable bake is hearty, colorful, and aromatic.

It combines butter beans with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.

Olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs create a deeply flavorful, comforting dish.

This bake is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small eggplant, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss all vegetables and garlic with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
• Add butter beans in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
• Serve warm as a side dish or main meal.

This Italian butter bean and roasted vegetable bake is colorful, hearty, and satisfying.

It is perfect for lunches, dinners, or meal prep.

Every bite delivers tender vegetables, creamy beans, and fragrant Italian herbs.

It provides a wholesome, flavorful, and easy Italian-inspired dish.

Italian Butter Bean and Spinach Risotto

This Italian butter bean and spinach risotto is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

It combines arborio rice with butter beans, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Olive oil and vegetable broth create a rich, velvety texture.

This risotto is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or a sophisticated weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
• Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring continuously until rice is creamy and tender.
• Stir in butter beans, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This Italian butter bean and spinach risotto is creamy, flavorful, and comforting.

It is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Every bite delivers tender rice, creamy beans, and fresh spinach.

It provides a rich, wholesome, and Italian-inspired meal experience.

Italian Butter Bean and Roasted Garlic Crostini

This Italian butter bean and roasted garlic crostini is creamy, aromatic, and perfect as an appetizer.

It combines mashed butter beans with roasted garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Served on toasted bread, it provides a crunchy and flavorful bite.

This dish is ideal for entertaining or a light snack with wine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 2 cloves roasted garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mash butter beans with roasted garlic until smooth.
• Stir in olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread mixture onto toasted baguette slices.
• Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
• Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack.

This Italian butter bean and roasted garlic crostini is creamy, flavorful, and aromatic.

It is perfect for appetizers or entertaining guests.

Every bite delivers tender beans, rich garlic, and fragrant herbs.

It provides a light, satisfying, and Italian-inspired starter.

Italian Butter Bean and Tomato Stew

This Italian butter bean and tomato stew is hearty, warming, and full of robust flavors.

It combines butter beans with diced tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and Italian seasonings.

Olive oil and simmering bring out a rich, aromatic flavor throughout the stew.

This dish is perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper until softened.
• Add diced tomatoes, butter beans, oregano, and basil.
• Simmer for 20-25 minutes until flavors meld.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This Italian butter bean and tomato stew is hearty, aromatic, and satisfying.

It is perfect for cozy lunches or dinners.

Every spoonful delivers tender beans, fresh vegetables, and robust Italian seasonings.

It provides a wholesome, comforting, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish.

Italian Butter Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Dip

This Italian butter bean and roasted red pepper dip is creamy, smoky, and flavorful.

It combines butter beans, roasted red peppers, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth, rich texture.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the flavor and add freshness.

This dip is perfect for parties, snacks, or as an appetizer with crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Blend butter beans, roasted red pepper, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
• Add basil, salt, and pepper, and pulse to combine.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Serve with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

This Italian butter bean and roasted red pepper dip is creamy, smoky, and satisfying.

It is perfect for snacks or appetizers at gatherings.

Every bite delivers rich, smooth beans with roasted pepper and aromatic herbs.

It provides a healthy, flavorful, and Italian-inspired dip experience.

Italian Butter Bean and Pesto Toast

This Italian butter bean and pesto toast is vibrant, aromatic, and perfect for breakfast or lunch.

It combines mashed butter beans with fresh basil pesto and a drizzle of olive oil.

Served on toasted whole-grain bread, it provides a crunchy, flavorful, and protein-rich meal.

This dish is quick, easy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices whole-grain bread
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mash butter beans and mix with basil pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Toast bread slices until golden.
• Spread the butter bean and pesto mixture evenly on each toast.
• Serve immediately for breakfast or lunch.

This Italian butter bean and pesto toast is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

It is perfect for quick meals or light lunches.

Every bite delivers creamy beans, fresh pesto, and crunchy bread.

It provides a simple, wholesome, and Italian-inspired meal option.

Italian Butter Bean and Zucchini Gratin

This Italian butter bean and zucchini gratin is hearty, cheesy, and aromatic.

It layers butter beans, zucchini, and tomato sauce topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Baking it in the oven produces a golden, bubbling dish perfect for dinner.

This gratin is ideal for a family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 2 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a baking dish with olive oil and layer zucchini, butter beans, and tomato sauce.
• Repeat layers and top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Serve hot.

This Italian butter bean and zucchini gratin is hearty, cheesy, and delicious.

It is perfect for family dinners or special meals.

Every bite delivers tender beans, zucchini, and melted cheese.

It provides a comforting, flavorful, and Italian-inspired baked dish.

Italian Butter Bean and Eggplant Stew

This Italian butter bean and eggplant stew is savory, aromatic, and satisfying.

It combines tender butter beans with sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Simmering allows the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty stew.

This dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a vegetarian main course.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 small eggplant, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add eggplant and cook until softened.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, butter beans, oregano, and basil.
• Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

This Italian butter bean and eggplant stew is hearty, flavorful, and aromatic.

It is perfect for cozy lunches or dinners.

Every spoonful delivers tender beans, eggplant, and robust Italian flavors.

It provides a comforting, wholesome, and Italian-inspired stew experience.

Italian Butter Bean Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Basil

This Italian butter bean bruschetta with tomatoes and basil is fresh, vibrant, and flavorful.

It combines mashed butter beans with diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil on toasted bread.

A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness to each bite.

This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked butter beans
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mash butter beans slightly and mix with diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread mixture onto toasted baguette slices.
• Garnish with extra basil if desired.
• Serve immediately.

This Italian butter bean bruschetta with tomatoes and basil is fresh, colorful, and satisfying.

It is perfect for light meals, appetizers, or entertaining guests.

Every bite delivers creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil.

It provides a simple, wholesome, and Italian-inspired starter or snack.