Name: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option); 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is exactly what you need to try. This recipe combines velvety cream, tender butter beans, and sun-drenched tomatoes with fragrant garlic and basil to create a rich, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to make but actually comes together in no time. It’s hearty, vibrant, and packed with flavor—a real gem to keep in your cooking rotation whether you want a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish that’ll impress your friends at the table.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe calls for simple ingredients that, when combined, deliver a depth of flavor and inviting texture. Each element plays a starring role, from the olive oil that forms a flavorful base to the fresh basil that adds a pop of herbal brightness at the end.

Olive oil: This creates a luscious starting point for sautéing and adds a fruity richness.
Garlic cloves (minced): Bringing that unmistakable aroma and subtle bite essential to Tuscan cuisine.
Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and body to the flavor foundation.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Infuse the dish with concentrated, tangy tomato essence and vibrant color.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides depth and moistness, marrying the ingredients together.
Heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan): Gives the beans their irresistibly creamy texture.
Butter beans (2 cans, rinsed and drained): The star ingredient, offering a buttery, soft bite that soaks up every drop of sauce.
Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast): Adds a salty, umami boost that thickens the sauce naturally.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of warmth and excitement.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that transport you straight to Tuscany.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
Fresh basil leaves (chopped plus extra for garnish): Freshens the dish with herbaceous brightness and lively color.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing them gently until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step awakens the kitchen and lays down a flavorful bed for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step releases their concentrated sweetness and tang, infusing the oil and aromatics with a deep tomato flavor. Then pour in the broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) to create that signature luscious, creamy base for your dish.

Step 3: Add the Butter Beans

Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, letting each one get fully coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce. Allow everything to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the beans absorb all those rich flavors, becoming tender and satisfying with each bite.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce with Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if you prefer vegan) to naturally thicken the sauce and deepen the umami character. Keep an eye on the consistency here—you can always adjust with a splash more broth if the sauce feels too thick.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

The final flourish is chopped fresh basil, sprinkled on top for a burst of vivid green and fresh herbal brightness. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. This finishing touch elevates the Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans to a beautifully balanced, aromatic dish.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish here, adding a burst of vibrant green and herbaceous aroma. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan on top or add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Toasted pine nuts or a few chili flakes can also bring delightful textural contrast and a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans pair wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic are also fantastic companions that keep the meal wholesome and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beans atop creamy polenta or fluffy mashed potatoes to truly highlight the velvety sauce. You could also spoon the mixture over grilled chicken or steak as a comforting side or even transform it into a warm dip party starter, perfect for sharing with friends over a glass of wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy schedules.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, freezing is an option. Place the beans in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream might slightly change after freezing, but the flavor will remain rich and comforting.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly warm the dish.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This swap maintains the rich, creamy texture and savory flavor beautifully.

Are sun-dried tomatoes essential in this recipe?

Yes, they contribute a concentrated tomato flavor that’s integral to the distinctive taste of the dish. If unavailable, you could try using sun-dried tomato paste or roasted red peppers, but the result will differ slightly.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

Great alternatives include cannellini beans or great northern beans, as they have a similar creamy texture that complements the sauce well.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s generally mild, but the optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat if you like a little kick. Adjust the amount or skip it altogether depending on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and beans in advance and reheat just before serving. To keep it fresh, add basil garnish at the last minute and warm slowly to maintain the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is one of those dishes that invites you to savor each bite while feeling deeply satisfied. It’s rich yet comforting, simple but impressive. I hope you give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. It’s a soulful dish that brings a touch of Tuscan sunshine to any day.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a luscious creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. This comforting and hearty recipe can be enjoyed as a main course or a side, with vegan adaptations available using coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions become translucent.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes to let their flavors release. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan version).
Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in 2 cans of rinsed and drained butter beans, making sure they are fully coated with the sauce. Allow the beans to simmer for 5-7 minutes so they absorb the rich flavors.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan), which will naturally thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency by adding a little more broth as needed.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Mix in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves for a pop of fresh color and vibrant flavor. Garnish with additional basil before serving to enhance presentation and taste.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
Butter beans can be substituted with cannellini or great northern beans if preferred.
Serve this creamy dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian