Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: Bold Italian Flavor

Tuscan Marry Butter Beans have officially stolen my heart and my weeknight dinner rotation! I first tasted something similar at a tiny trattoria in Florence, and the rich, comforting flavors have haunted my dreams ever since. Imagine plump, tender butter beans swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce, infused with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a whisper of herbs. The aroma alone is enough to make you swoon, and believe me, the taste is even better. This recipe delivers those incredible, creamy Tuscan butter beans without any fuss. It’s truly an easy Tuscan butter beans dish that feels incredibly special. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love:

• Incredible Flavor: A symphony of savory, tangy, and creamy notes that will transport you straight to Italy.
• Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty & Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber from the butter beans, it’s a satisfying vegetarian option.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will adore these creamy Tuscan butter beans.
• Versatile Dish: These butter beans in Tuscan sauce work beautifully as a main or a side.
• Grown-Up Taste: The rich combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan butter beans Tuscan style feels truly special.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients for Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful meal. I love using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar because it adds an extra layer of authentic flavor to these sun-dried tomato butter beans.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 30 oz canned butter beans, drained and rinsed – the star of our dish!
• 3 cups spinach or more
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving

How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

This one-pan wonder comes together faster than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve creamy, dreamy perfection.

1. Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Heat the rich oil from your sun-dried tomato jar and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Step 3: Add the diced red onion and cook until it becomes nice and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Letting it darken slightly deepens its flavor, which is key to these amazing Tuscan style butter beans with spinach.
6. Step 6: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another minute to let those herbs bloom.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth and the drained, rinsed butter beans. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
8. Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Step 9: To thicken the sauce, gently mash about half a cup of the butter beans against the side of the skillet using the back of your spoon.
10. Step 10: Stir those mashed beans back into the sauce. You’ll see it start to thicken naturally!
11. Step 11: Add the fresh spinach. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the spinach wilts down, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
12. Step 12: Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important to prevent the cream from curdling.
13. Step 13: Immediately stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the cream is fully incorporated, creating that luscious sauce. This is how you know you’re mastering how to make Tuscan butter beans.
14. Step 14: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
15. Step 15: Serve your incredible Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you have it. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Want to elevate your Tuscan butter beans? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Always use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; the oil itself is liquid gold for flavor.
• Don’t skip mashing some of the beans – this is the secret to a naturally thick, luscious sauce.
• Wilt the spinach off the heat to keep its vibrant green color and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Tuscan butter beans?

The real secret to truly authentic Tuscan butter beans lies in building layers of flavor. Start by browning the tomato paste and blooming the herbs, then use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Mashing some beans also creates that signature creamy texture. For more information on building flavor profiles, check out this guide on spicy herb butter sauce.

Can I make Tuscan butter beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of this dish up to the point of adding the spinach and cream. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then stir in the spinach and cream just before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans?

Avoid overcooking the garlic, which can turn bitter. Also, be careful not to boil the cream once added, as it can curdle. Ensure you remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the cream and cheese for a silky smooth finish. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help prevent these issues; for instance, understanding how to make homemade mayonnaise can teach you about emulsification and preventing curdling.

Best Ways to Serve Butter Beans in Tuscan Sauce

These versatile beans are fantastic on their own, but they also shine when paired with other dishes. They make a wonderful main course, especially served with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. I love serving this as a complete meal with a simple side salad.

For a heartier dinner, consider serving this butter bean side dish Tuscan style alongside grilled chicken or fish. You could also offer it as a substantial vegetarian main with garlic bread or roasted asparagus. The rich, creamy texture and robust flavors are incredibly satisfying, making it a dish that’s always a hit! If you’re looking for other chicken options, consider these honey lime chicken recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

This rich and satisfying dish offers a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

• Calories: 468 kcal
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 13 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Sodium: 1815 mg
• Cholesterol: 51 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Leftover Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a gift that keeps on giving! Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Properly stored, these delicious beans will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Freezing works beautifully for this dish, making it a convenient option for future meals.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them gently. On the stovetop, warm them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you prefer to use the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. These tips ensure your Tuscan white beans recipe leftovers are just as delightful as when they were first made!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

What are Tuscan butter beans?

What are Tuscan butter beans? They’re essentially large, creamy white beans prepared in a style reminiscent of Tuscany, Italy. This usually involves simmering them in a rich sauce with aromatic ingredients like garlic, herbs, and often tomatoes. My recipe features them in a decadent cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, making them incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

What herbs go well with Tuscan butter beans?

Classic Italian herbs are your best friend here! I love using dried oregano and basil in this recipe for that authentic flavor. Fresh rosemary or thyme can also be wonderful additions, especially if you’re looking for more robust notes. The key is to use seasonings that complement the richness of the beans and the creamy sauce, creating a beautiful balance of flavors for your Tuscan butter beans with herbs.

Can I use cannellini beans instead of butter beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans are a fantastic substitute for butter beans in this recipe. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that works beautifully in Tuscan-inspired dishes. You can use them interchangeably in this creamy Tuscan butter beans recipe without any issues. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well, just like the butter beans.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free heavy cream substitute (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream), and replace the Parmesan cheese with your favorite vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The core flavors of the Tuscan butter beans recipe will still shine through beautifully!

Variations of Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, why not get creative? These variations add exciting new dimensions to this already delightful dish, ensuring a new favorite for Tuscan butter beans for dinner any night of the week.

• Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch more red pepper flakes or a finely minced jalapeño along with the garlic. This creates a wonderfully fiery twist on the creamy sauce.
• Vegan Delight: Easily transform this into a vegan masterpiece by using plant-based butter, a dairy-free heavy cream alternative (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream), and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for that cheesy finish.
• Smoked Paprika Twist: For a subtle smoky depth, stir in about 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other dried herbs. It adds a lovely complexity that pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Hearty Sausage Addition: Brown some Italian sausage (pork or plant-based) before adding the onions, then proceed with the recipe. This makes for an even more robust and filling meal.

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: Bold Italian Flavor

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ butter beans simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and herbs, then finished with wilted spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This quick, one-pan dish is a delicious vegetarian and gluten-free meal or a hearty side.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 30 oz canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups spinach or more
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, allowing it to darken slightly.
5. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and butter beans. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
8. Gently mash about 1/2 cup of the beans against the side of the skillet using the back of a spoon.
9. Stir the mashed beans into the sauce to help thicken it.
10. Add the spinach. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
11. Remove the skillet from the heat.
12. Immediately stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
14. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

• Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Cooking the tomato paste until it darkens slightly deepens its flavor.
• Mashing some of the butter beans naturally thickens the sauce.
• Cannellini beans are a good substitute for butter beans.
• Serve with crusty bread, garlic rolls, or garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1815 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 13 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg

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