If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then the Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This comfort food classic combines tender butter beans with a luscious, creamy sauce spiked with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs for a bold yet comforting flavor. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress someone special without spending hours in the kitchen. The richness of the cream and parmesan perfectly balances the peppery spices and sweet-tart tomatoes, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple pantry staples and a few fresh elements that each play a crucial role in building its incredible texture and flavor profile. Every ingredient is chosen thoughtfully to provide richness, brightness, and depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp): Adds a creamy, indulgent base that carries flavors beautifully.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika (½ tsp each; ¼ tsp black pepper): These spices layer vibrant heat and smoky undertones, keeping the sauce exciting.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, roughly chopped): Offer a chewy texture and intense tomato sweetness that cuts through the cream.
- Vegetable broth (½ to 1 cup): Controls the sauce’s consistency from rich and thick to light and saucy depending on preference.
- Butter beans (2 cans, drained): The star of the dish, creamy beans that bulk up every bite and provide plant-based protein.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup, chopped): Adds a pop of color and delicate earthiness as it wilts into the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup; half-and-half optional): Creates the velvety texture that defines this Tuscan-inspired sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Brings salty, nutty richness that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh basil (2 Tbsp, chopped): Finishes with a fresh aromatic lift, brightening each spoonful.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step awakens the spices and sets the stage for the creamy sauce you’re about to build.
Step 2: Add the Fillings
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in your choice of vegetable broth (½ cup for thicker sauce, 1 cup for a looser consistency). Add the drained butter beans and let everything simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This process softens the beans further and melds the flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Finish with Fresh Ingredients and Cream
Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh spinach. The residual warmth will gently wilt the leaves without losing their vibrant color. Then stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan, and chopped basil to create a luscious Tuscan sauce that wraps every bean in rich, herbal goodness.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For presentation and an extra flavor boost, sprinkle additional fresh basil or shaved parmesan over the top just before serving. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a silky finish and deepen the sauce’s complexity. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes add texture and a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This recipe is versatile, pairing wonderfully with crusty bread that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of buttery rice or al dente pasta to make it a filling main course. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this creamy bean delight into a pasta sauce or even a comforting risotto base. Spoon it into small ramekins and bake with a sprinkle of parmesan and breadcrumbs for an irresistible gratin. It also makes a fantastic topping for grilled polenta or roasted vegetables, bringing a Tuscan flair to any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen slightly as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep it for a longer time. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the butter beans gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the dairy from curdling.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative like coconut or cashew cream, and omit or replace the parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The dish will still be rich and delicious.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t on hand, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes work well as substitutes, though the flavor will be milder. You can also add a teaspoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato essence.
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, but remember to soak and cook them fully before using. Using canned beans saves time and ensures you get that creamy texture without extra effort, which is why they are perfect for this quick recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your broth and any seasoning for hidden gluten if you have sensitivity concerns.
Can I add protein to make this a heartier meal?
Definitely! Adding cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms can give this dish an extra protein boost and more complexity, making it a perfect main course for larger appetites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, comforting, and wildly flavorful, give the Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy plant-based comfort food without sacrificing richness or taste. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with every creamy, buttery bite!
Print
Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring creamy butter beans cooked in a luscious Tuscan sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gluten-free and vegetarian recipe makes a perfect appetizer, side dish, or main course.
Ingredients
Flavor Base
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (120 to 236 mL)
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans (lima beans), drained (425 g each)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half) (236 mL)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Flavor Base: In a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and spices are well incorporated.
- Add Fillings: Stir in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth (start with ½ cup for thicker sauce or 1 cup for looser sauce), and drained butter beans. Continue cooking uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and beans to heat through.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach until wilted. Then add heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and all ingredients are combined. Serve immediately warm, optionally with crusty bread, over rice, or with pasta.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth depending on how thick or loose you want the sauce; use 1 cup broth for pasta or rice to create a looser consistency.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
- Serve with crusty bread for a comforting solo dish or over rice or pasta as a heartier meal.
- The dish is suitable for gluten-free, halal, hindu, and vegetarian diets.
