A close-up of a bowl of butter bean arrabbiata
Romy London
Home » Garlicky Arrabbiata Butter Beans

Garlicky Arrabbiata Butter Beans

Jump to Recipe

This comforting butter bean dish from Romy London is a simple, flavourful dinner option that sits somewhere between a quick weeknight meal and something you’d happily serve at a dinner party.  It’s perfect with toasted bread for an easy lunch or spooned over pasta when you fancy something a bit more filling.  

Why Butter Beans? 

Butter beans are a good source of plant protein and fibre, helping to keep you feeling full and supporting digestion. Like other pulses, they provide slow-release carbohydrates, which makes them a useful base for meals that offer steady energy. 

They’re also a source of key nutrients including iron and folate, and their naturally creamy texture means they can add richness to dishes without the need for heavier ingredients. In recipes like this one, they absorb the flavours of the sauce while still holding their shape, making them both satisfying and versatile. 

Why We Love This Recipe 

The combination of tomato, chilli, and oregano creates rich and well-rounded sauce, while the butter beans add substance without requiring much preparation.  

And don’t skip the garlic crisps – they add crunch and a deeper, savoury note that elevates the dish.  

Arrabbiata Butter Beans
Print

Arrabbiata Butter Beans

Recipe by Romy London

Butter beans + arrabbiata is such a good combo: creamy, saucy, and properly punchy. This version simmers the beans in a chilli-spiked tomato sauce with oregano and tomato paste for that deeper, slightly rich flavour.

The real flex is the garlic crisps on top – crunchy, golden, and exactly what the whole bowl needs. Serve it solo, spooned over pasta, or with toasted bread for maximum sauce-mopping potential.

Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings
+
–

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 1-2 tsp chilli flakes

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 tins of butter beans

  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped

  • 3 cloves of garlic (for garlic crisps)

  • Olive oil (for frying)

Directions

  • Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and softens.
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of chilli flakes (to taste) and dried oregano to the pan. Then stir in the tomato puree.
  • Drain and rinse the butter beans. Add them to the pan along with the chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • While the beans are simmering, make the garlic crisps. Thinly slice the 3 cloves of garlic. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate pan over low-medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and dry until they become crispy and golden. Remove them from the pan and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
  • Once the beans are done simmering, stir in a few leaves of fresh basil, leaving some for garnish.
  • Serve the beans garnished with the garlic crisps and fresh basil, and enjoy them on their own or alongside freshly toasted bread.

This recipe was republished with permission from Romy London.

Help Animals in 2026: Renew Your PETA Membership!

Donate Now
Call to Action Image

Read More

Get PETA Updates

You can read our full privacy policy here. You can change the way we communicate with you at any time you wish, including to reduce the number of letters we send you or to opt out of all our communications. To do so please, contact us here. Current subscribers: you’ll continue to receive e-mails unless you explicitly opt out here.