Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely must try this Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe. It’s a luxurious, comforting blend of tender butter beans swimming in a rich, garlicky, and sun-dried tomato-infused cream sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. This dish strikes that perfect balance between hearty and elegant, making it ideal for anything from a casual weeknight meal to impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color. These simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special, showcasing how a few good things can make a meal extraordinary.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing and helps bring out the aromas of garlic and onions.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant, pungent kick that’s essential for that Tuscan flavor profile.
- Small onion (diced): Provides a mild sweetness that balances the garlic and acidity from the tomatoes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Infuse the dish with a sweet, tangy depth and a gorgeous burst of red color.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Creates a flavorful liquid base that blends with the cream to make the sauce luscious.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Or coconut cream for a vegan twist; it gives the sauce its signature creaminess and silky texture.
- Butter beans (2 cans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained): The star ingredient that provides a buttery texture and protein-packed heartiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version; this adds umami and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle spicy warmth that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb blend that layers in classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the cream.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, gentle heat and sharpness.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Introduces a fresh, aromatic finish and lively green color.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the flavor foundation is built, unlocking the natural sweetness of the onions and the bold aroma of the garlic, setting the stage beautifully for the dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps release their intense, slightly tangy flavor. Afterward, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, which will begin transforming the sauce into a decadent velvety mixture.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans
Now fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans gently, making sure each bean is coated lovingly in that rich sauce. Let them simmer together for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the beans to soak up the creamy, tomato-infused flavors nestled around them. This slow mingling is what makes this version of butter beans so utterly unforgettable.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
It’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese, which is key to thickening the sauce with its natural richness and depth. Stir it in slowly and watch that sauce become irresistibly creamy. If you find the consistency too thick, don’t hesitate to adjust by adding a splash more broth—it should be luscious and smooth, perfect for spooning.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs for the Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Finally, sprinkle in the freshly chopped basil. This addition tops off the dish with a bright, herbal lift and a pop of vibrant green color, complementing the creamy textures and sun-dried tomato richness perfectly. Those small touches make the dish sing!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Garnishes
Enhance your dish with a few sprigs of fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to heighten the aromatic appeal. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds an elegant shimmer and taste, making it look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to add crunch and freshness. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple pasta to round out your meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the creamy butter beans over a bowl of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for extra comfort. Turn it into a stuffed vegetable—like bell peppers or portobello mushrooms—for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well thanks to the butter beans and creamy sauce. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. You can add a splash of broth or cream if it feels too thick as it warms. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This keeps the creaminess while making the dish entirely plant-based and just as flavorful.
What are butter beans, and can I substitute them?
Butter beans are large, creamy lima beans known for their buttery texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find them, large white beans or cannellini beans make a great substitute in this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a mild heat, but they’re completely optional. You can easily leave them out if you prefer a milder, more delicate flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a delicious meal that doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen for long.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use vegetable or chicken broth that doesn’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is like opening the door to a world where simple ingredients unite to create deep, irresistible comfort food. It’s one of those dishes that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing it with everyone you love. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to become your new favorite way to enjoy butter beans!
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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender butter beans in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and fresh basil. Perfect as a hearty side or a vegetarian main, this recipe is easy to prepare and adaptable for vegan diets by swapping dairy ingredients.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (rinsed and drained)
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, ensuring they are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it is too thick or reduce the heat to let it thicken more if needed.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the dish and stir lightly. Garnish with extra basil leaves just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute butter beans with cannellini or great northern beans for a similar texture.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to how spicy you prefer the dish.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian main course.
- To make it gluten free, ensure that your broth and seasoning blends are gluten free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Tuscan butter beans, creamy butter beans recipe, vegetarian bean dish, Italian bean recipe, easy creamy butter beans
