Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Butter Bean Stew with Swiss Chard is the perfect cozy, one-pot meal for chilly nights. Packed with creamy butter beans, rich parmesan broth, and the deep flavor of roasted garlic, this hearty stew is both nourishing and comforting. Swiss chard adds a fresh, slightly earthy balance to the dish, making it a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your meals.

This butter bean stew is easy to make with simple ingredients, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor. The combination of slow-simmered beans, nutty parmesan, and aromatic garlic creates a velvety broth that thickens naturally as it cooks. Whether you’re looking for a healthy butter bean recipe, a Swiss chard stew that’s full of nutrients, or a cozy winter soup to warm up with, this recipe has you covered.

Even better? It’s completely one-pot and comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Last Updated February 20th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Butter Bean Stew:

Rich, Layered Flavor: Roasted garlic lends a deep, caramelized sweetness, while white wine adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the broth. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the warmth of the dish, and the parmesan rind infuses the stew with a savory depth that brings everything together.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Butter beans are packed with protein and fiber, making this stew hearty and filling without feeling heavy. Swiss chard adds vibrant color and a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded, nourishing meal.
Easily Adaptable: Whether you need a gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free option, this recipe can be adjusted with simple swaps while maintaining its depth of flavor and comforting texture.
Effortless Yet Elegant: This stew comes together in one pot with minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party with warm, crusty bread or a side of creamy polenta.

Ingredient Notes:

Butter –
- Creates a rich, velvety base while helping to sauté the onions for deeper flavor. Opt for unsalted butter to better control the seasoning. For a dairy-free version, substitute with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Yellow Onion –
- Adds a savory-sweet depth to the stew. Yellow onions offer the best balance, but white onions can work as a milder substitute.
Roasted Garlic –
- Infuses the broth with a sweet, mellow, and caramelized richness. Roast a whole garlic bulb and mash the soft cloves, or use store-bought roasted garlic paste for convenience.
White Wine –
- Brings acidity and brightness to balance the butter and parmesan. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, substitute with lemon juice or additional broth.
Canned Butter Beans (with liquid) –
- These creamy, hearty beans naturally thicken the broth as they cook. Keeping the starchy canning liquid adds body and enhances the stew’s texture.
Chicken Broth –
- Serves as the flavorful base, providing depth and richness. Swap for vegetable broth to make the stew vegetarian-friendly.
Parmesan Rind –
- Slowly melts into the broth, adding a nutty, umami complexity. Save rinds from Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for recipes like this. If unavailable, stir in extra grated cheese at the end.
Swiss Chard –
- Brings an earthy, slightly bitter contrast that complements the rich flavors. Use both the stems and leaves—chop the stems finely so they cook evenly. If needed, substitute with kale or spinach.
Ground Nutmeg –
- A pinch enhances the creamy texture and adds a warm, subtly spiced note. Freshly grated nutmeg has the best flavor, but pre-ground works too.

garlic and parmesan butter bean swiss chard stew

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

Gluten-Free –
- This butter bean stew is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your white wine and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or crackers for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Vegetarian –
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and either use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative or omit the Parmesan rind entirely for a fully vegetarian stew.
Vegan –
- Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute, use vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan rind. For extra richness and a subtle cheesy flavor, stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast.
Dairy-Free –
- Use olive oil or dairy-free butter in place of regular butter, and either omit the Parmesan rind or swap it for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Low-Sodium –
- Choose low-sodium broth, rinse the canned butter beans before adding them. Adjust seasoning to taste with herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Swap the Greens – Instead of Swiss chard, try kale, spinach, collard greens, or even mustard greens for a slightly spicier kick. Just adjust the cooking time based on the sturdiness of the greens.
Use Different Beans – If you don’t have butter beans, substitute with cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas for a similar creamy texture.
Make It Creamier – For an extra velvety texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or cashew cream at the end of cooking.
Boost the Protein – Add shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or diced ham for a heartier meal. For a plant-based option, stir in tofu or extra veggies.
Add More Veggies – Enhance the stew with carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra depth and nutrition.
Spice It Up – If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and smokiness.
Broth Variations – Experiment with different broths like bone broth for extra collagen, miso broth for umami, or even a splash of coconut milk for a richer, slightly sweet depth.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Roasting the Garlic:
- Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its sharpness. For ease, you can roast a whole head of garlic in advance (wrap in foil and bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes). Alternatively, sautéing the garlic gently in butter works for a quicker approach, though the flavor will be slightly different—but still delicious!
Parmesan Rind:
- The addition of a Parmesan rind is a simple yet effective way to infuse this butter bean stew stew recipe with savory depth and nutty, umami flavors. Make sure to remove it before serving—it softens during cooking, but the rind itself isn’t meant to be eaten.
Butter Beans:
- Don’t drain the canned butter beans! The liquid from the beans helps thicken the bean stew as it simmers, creating a creamy texture without the need for added cream. For a thicker stew, mash a portion of the beans and stir them back into the pot for a more substantial texture.
Adjusting Consistency:
- If the stew thickens too much as it sits, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. It’s easy to customize!
Swiss Chard Substitutes:
- If Swiss chard isn’t available or you prefer something different, feel free to swap it with kale, spinach, or collard greens. Each green will bring a unique flavor and texture, so experiment to find your favorite.
Storing Leftovers:
- This stew keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers and allow it to cool completely before freezing. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency.
Making It Ahead:
- The stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. If you’re planning ahead, feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance for even richer, more developed flavors.

Butter Bean Stew FAQ’s:

Can I use other types of beans for this stew?
- Yes! While butter beans (also known as lima beans) provide a creamy texture, you can substitute them with other beans such as cannellini, navy, or great northern beans. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Can I make this stew vegan?
- Absolutely! To make this stew vegan, swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, use vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan rind. For a cheesy flavor, add a spoonful of nutritional yeast.
What if I can’t find Swiss chard?
- No worries! If you can’t find Swiss chard, you can easily substitute it with kale, spinach, or collard greens. While each green has its own unique flavor, they all work well in this stew.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and when reheating, add a bit of broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
- Yes! In fact, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How can I make this stew spicier?
- If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. Adjust to taste for the right level of heat!
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
- Yes, this stew can be made in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions and garlic in a pan before transferring them to the slow cooker, along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

butter bean stew with garlic parmesan and swis chard

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