Easy Creamy Pesto Beans Recipe
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
4 Servings
Ingredients
  • 2 heaping cups basil
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • ⅓ cup walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 strips prosciutto, torn into ½-inch wide pieces
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 (15.5-ounce) cans butter beans (and their canning liquid)
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
Directions
  1. To start the pesto, add the basil, garlic, and nuts to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the lemon juice and pepper and replace the lid. While pulsing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is mostly smooth.
  3. Add the Parmesan and pulse until just combined. Season to taste with salt.
  4. To make the beans, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the prosciutto and cook until crisp, about 3 minutes.
  6. Remove the prosciutto and set aside. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir.
  7. Once fragrant, add the beans, canning liquid, broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup of the prepared pesto and remove from the heat.
  9. To serve, top with the crispy prosciutto, any extra pesto, and freshly grated Parmesan.