These High Protein Vodka Sauce Beans are what I make when I want something cozy that is still loaded with fiber and protein. Technically, this recipe contains zero vodka. Instead, I use balsamic vinegar, which is one of my favorite hacks for adding depth and richness to recipes without using any alcohol. Serve it with toasted sourdough for an easy and delicious dinner.
If you're a fellow bean lover like me then you need to try my roasted red pepper beans, mac and cheese beans or my french onion beans.
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Why you'll love these vodka sauce beans without vodka
Protein and fiber rich. Butter beans are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this a filling and satisfying meal with 25 grams of protein and 21 grams of fiber per serving.
Easy to make. Everything comes together in one skillet with simple pantry staples, making this a great weeknight dinner.
Packed with flavor. Garlic, herbs, tomato paste, parmesan, and Calabrian chili peppers create a rich, savory sauce with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Dried rosemary
- Calabrian chili peppers
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Crushed tomatoes
- Balsamic vinegar
- Bone broth
- Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter beans
- Fresh or frozen spinach
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Butter beans: Substitute with cannellini beans or another creamy white bean.
- Coconut milk: Substitute with heavy cream for an equally delicious, creamy sauce.
- Calabrian chili peppers: Substitute with 1–2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
- Spinach: Any leafy green works here including kale.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the aromatics.
Add all remaining ingredients except for spinach and simmer.
Fold in spinach and serve.
Storage instructions
You can store the extra beans in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 4 days.
Recipe Pro-Tips
Let the onions brown: Cooking the onions for 8–10 minutes helps develop a rich, savory flavor that makes the sauce even more delicious.
Don't skip the tomato paste: Cooking the tomato paste with the garlic and seasonings helps deepen its flavor and creates a richer sauce.
Simmer for extra flavor: While 15 minutes is sufficient, allowing the beans to simmer for 20 minutes or longer will help the flavors develop even more.
Recipe FAQS
Yes, just use vegan parmesan.
No, I do not drink or keep alcohol in the house so Balsamic Vinegar is used in its place.
Not all parmesan is vegetarian, be sure to buy vegetarian parmesan if you are vegetarian.
Other one pot meals
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High Protein Vodka Sauce Beans
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion - finely chopped
- 4-6 cloves garlic - minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon calabrian chili peppers can sub 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley or basil
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup full fat coconut milk (from a can) OR heavy cream macros are better on coconut milk but both work and are delicious
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup chicken bone broth or vegetable broth can also sub water but will be less flavorful
- 3 cans butter beans - drained 13-15 oz size cans/jars/boxes, I love the linked beans
- 2-3 handfuls fresh or frozen spinach
Optional toppings and sides
- toasty sourdough
- drizzle olive oil
- additional grated parmesan
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chili pepper and tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the spinach. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes. The longer you cook it the more flavorful it will become but 15 minutes is sufficient.
- Turn off heat and fold in spinach. Divide out and serve.
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