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Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans Recipe

Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans Recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans is a rich and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender butter beans in a luscious creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Perfect as a hearty main or a comforting side, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and vibrant Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beans

  • 2 cups cooked butter beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for lighter version
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced shallot and minced garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to release their flavors.
  2. Add Butter Beans: Add the cooked and drained butter beans to the skillet. Stir well to coat them evenly with the aromatic mixture. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes so they absorb the flavors.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter version) and stir to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in fresh baby spinach and lemon zest, cooking just until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce.
  4. Serve: Spoon the creamy butter beans into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, fresh basil leaves, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes are optional; adjust according to your spice preference.
  • If using dried butter beans, be sure to soak and cook them thoroughly before using.
  • Serve with crusty bread or grains like rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butte beans recipe, creamy butter beans, Tuscan butter beans, vegetarian Italian dish, sun-dried tomatoes recipe, easy creamy beans