Puttanesca Beans: The Ultimate Puttanesca Beans With Garlic Bread Recipe
Introduction to Puttanesca Beans
Puttanesca beans are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, bringing together robust flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With the aromatic blend of garlic, olives, and tomatoes, every bite is bursting with flavor, and the addition of garlic bread makes it even more irresistible.
A Personal Story Behind My Puttanesca Beans Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter over delicious meals. Among those meals, the comforting flavors of a good pasta puttanesca always stood out. As I ventured into cooking, I wanted to recreate that nostalgia while adding my own twist by incorporating beans for a hearty and nutritious option. This dish brings back memories while also being a fantastic way to nourish my loved ones with wholesome ingredients.
What Makes This Puttanesca Beans Recipe Special?
What sets this Puttanesca beans recipe apart is its simplicity and the ability to pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. Utilizing pantry staples like canned tomatoes and beans means you can whip this up any time. Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you want a hearty meal on its own or served over polenta, this dish adapts beautifully. And let’s not forget the garlic bread! It’s the perfect accompaniment, soaking up the savory sauce.

The Full Puttanesca Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 white or yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium broth
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (navy beans, cannellini beans, great northern beans), drained
- 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, or vegan parmesan cheese
- Garlic bread, for serving*
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking until slightly darkened, around 1 minute. Then, pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, white beans, olives, and capers. Simmer over low heat until thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the parsley, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, considering the saltiness from olives, capers, and cheese. Tip: You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve the White Bean Puttanesca as is, with garlic bread, or spooned over polenta for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Puttanesca Beans
This dish is incredibly versatile! You can serve your Puttanesca beans with crusty garlic bread for a classic touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it over creamy polenta or a bed of sautéed greens for an extra nutrient boost. For a vegan option, simply substitute regular parmesan with plant-based parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puttanesca Beans
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white beans, you can easily substitute with chickpeas or black beans for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Puttanesca beans recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat products. Just ensure that your garlic bread is also gluten-free if needed.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 280
- Servings: 4

Puttanesca Beans With Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 unit white or yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium broth
- 2 cans white beans
- 0.5 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 0.5 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan cheese
- 1 serving garlic bread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking until slightly darkened, around 1 minute. Then, pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, white beans, olives, and capers. Simmer over low heat until thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the parsley, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, considering the saltiness from olives, capers, and cheese.
- Serve the White Bean Puttanesca as is, with garlic bread, or spooned over polenta for a heartier meal.
