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A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy Garlic Butter Beans with Spinach, sprinkled with cheese and black pepper, with a side of bread.
Layla

Garlic Butter Beans with Spinach

This quick and satisfying side dish features tender cannellini beans sautéed with plenty of garlic, rich buttery goodness, and vibrant spinach, perfect for any weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Components
  • 2 cans canned cannellini beans 15 oz each, rinsed and drained
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6-8 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Prep & Sauté Aromatics
  1. First things first, make sure your beans are rinsed thoroughly and drained. Mince your garlic, measure out your broth and lemon juice, and have your spinach ready to go. This dish comes together quickly!
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook Beans & Wilt Spinach
  1. Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb some of that lovely garlic butter flavor.
  2. Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently until it completely wilts down, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, add the spinach in batches.
Finish & Serve
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir to combine everything beautifully.
  2. Transfer the garlic butter beans with spinach to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm. It’s fantastic on its own or as a vibrant side!

Notes

Feel free to swap cannellini beans for Great Northern beans or even chickpeas if that's what you have on hand.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or even chives at the very end can add an extra layer of freshness and color.
This dish makes a fantastic quick lunch with a piece of crusty bread, or a vibrant side dish for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pork tenderloin.