Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Why make this recipe

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a delightful and creamy dish that captures the flavors of Italian cuisine. They mix the richness of the beans with the freshness of basil and the savory notes of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite bread or salad. Plus, it can easily be adapted for vegans and meat lovers alike, making it a versatile recipe that everyone can enjoy.

How to make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Ingredients:

  • Canned butter beans or dried butter beans
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive oil
  • Optional: spinach, red pepper flakes

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
  3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  4. Gently fold in the butter beans, ensuring they’re fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
  6. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

How to serve Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

You can serve Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans warm, garnished with fresh basil. They pair well with crusty bread, over rice, or with a simple green salad. If you like some heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

How to store Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

  • For a richer flavor, let the dish simmer a little longer after adding the butter beans.
  • Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach for added nutrients and color.
  • If you want a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

Variation

You can add cooked chicken or sausage to make it heartier. Switching the herbs or adding different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, can also lighten the flavor and texture of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the skillet.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream is a great vegan alternative, and it will provide a creamy texture without dairy.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans


  • Author: lu-ann
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful and creamy Italian dish featuring butter beans mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can butter beans or dried butter beans
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1 cup spinach, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
  3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  4. Gently fold in the butter beans, ensuring they’re fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
  6. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a richer flavor, let the dish simmer a little longer after adding the butter beans. Feel free to toss in some fresh spinach for added nutrients.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: butter beans, Italian, creamy, vegetarian, easy recipe, comfort food