Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender butter beans in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. The name “Marry Me” reflects the irresistible flavor—so good, it might inspire a proposal! This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for cozy dinners and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or pasta.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

butter beans (canned or cooked from dry)olive oilgarliconionsun-dried tomatoesheavy creamvegetable or chicken brothgrated Parmesan cheeseItalian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakesbaby spinachsalt and pepperfresh basil (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine.

Bring to a simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Add the butter beans and gently fold into the sauce.

Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.

Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.

Include mushrooms or zucchini for added veggies.

Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use other beans instead of butter beans?

Yes, cannellini or great northern beans are good alternatives.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes work well as substitutes.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetable broth and vegetarian Parmesan.

Can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese alternatives.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh adds a brighter flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste.

What type of cream should I use?

Heavy cream or half-and-half for best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger pan to accommodate the volume.

Does it pair well with pasta?

Yes, it’s delicious served over fettuccine or penne.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a flavorful, comforting meal that’s simple yet impressive. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Rich, creamy, and packed with Italian-inspired goodness, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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