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.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Beans Recipe, Butter Beans in Cream Sauce, Vegetarian Italian Recipe, Easy Creamy Bean Dish
