Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Craving a creamy, savory dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor?

Say hello to Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans!

This irresistible recipe takes tender butter beans and combines them with a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy goodness.

Inspired by the popular “marry me” dishes – so good they’re said to inspire marriage proposals – this version adds a Tuscan twist, featuring bold Mediterranean flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dish will win hearts with every bite.

Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, delicious dish:

  • Butter Beans: Use canned butter beans for convenience, or cook dried butter beans if you prefer.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with tangy, umami flavor that defines the dish.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for maximum flavor.
  • Onion: Adds depth to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, luxurious base. For a vegan version, use coconut cream.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Enhances the sauce’s flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and umami. Swap with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • Fresh Basil: For garnish and added freshness.
  • Olive Oil: To sauté the aromatics.

Optional: Add spinach for a boost of greens or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

This dish is surprisingly simple to make. Here’s how:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics
    • 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. Create the Creamy Sauce
    • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
    • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  3. Add the Butter Beans
    • 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.
  4. Thicken the Sauce
    • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs
    • Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans close up

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up every bit of the creamy sauce.
  • Rice or Pasta: Serve the butter beans over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta for a heartier meal.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a balanced plate.

For a complete meal, add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a plant-based option.

Click here if you’re looking for more side dish ideas.

Tips for the Best Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

  • Canned vs. Dried Butter Beans: Canned butter beans save time, but if you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender.
  • Balance the Flavors: Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
  • Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQ’s

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak dried butter beans overnight, then cook them until tender before using in the recipe. This will take extra time, but the results will be just as delicious.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze it, but the cream-based sauce may separate upon reheating. To avoid this, freeze without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Can I add greens?

Definitely! Toss in spinach, kale, or arugula toward the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a one-pan, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender butter beans are simmered in a luxurious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, with a touch of Tuscan-inspired spices.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a versatile recipe that works as a main course or a side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus extra for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics

  • 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.

Create the Creamy Sauce

  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Add the Butter Beans

  • 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.

Thicken the Sauce

  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

  • Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Keyword Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

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