Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans Recipe
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.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Butte beans recipe, creamy butter beans, Tuscan butter beans, vegetarian Italian dish, sun-dried tomatoes recipe, easy creamy beans