Marry Me Butter Beans Tuscan

These creamy Tuscan-style Marry Me Butter Beans are my favorite answer to a busy weeknight or when real comfort is in order. With pantry butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, the whole dish comes together in fifteen minutes for a cozy, hearty meal. The flavor is so dreamy you might just be tempted to eat it straight from the pot.

I stumbled upon this dish when I wanted something fast but a little extra special and now I make it anytime I crave restaurant-style creamy beans at home. It turns out so creamy and flavorful that everyone looks forward to leftovers.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: delivers rich flavor and helps blend the aromatics Choose good quality butter for a sweeter base
• Garlic: fresh makes the sauce aromatic Look for firm cloves with no green shoots
• Salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, ground black pepper: all layer essential seasoning and a little heat I love using Spanish smoked paprika for its deep flavor
• Sun dried tomatoes: provide concentrated tang and sweetness Oil packed tomatoes are usually more tender
• Vegetable broth: allows you to control the thickness and adds depth Low sodium lets you adjust final seasoning
• Butter beans or lima beans: creamy texture soaks up sauce Look for beans that are whole and not mushy
• Fresh spinach: adds freshness and gentle greens Choose dark green leaves for the best taste
• Heavy cream: creates the velvety base You can swap half and half for a lighter version
• Grated parmesan: delivers umami Use real Parmesan and grate it yourself for best results
• Fresh basil: brings brightness and a pop of color Go for fragrant leaves with no browning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Flavor Base:

Heat unsalted butter and minced garlic in a large sauté pan over medium heat with salt oregano crushed red pepper flakes smoked paprika and black pepper Let them cook slowly for about two minutes until the garlic smells sweet and the spices start to sizzle This builds a really flavorful base for the whole dish

Add the Fillings:

Add chopped sun dried tomatoes your vegetable broth and drained butter beans to the pan Stir to combine and cook on medium heat uncovered for about five minutes You want the beans to absorb some of the broth and the tomatoes to soften a bit

Finish with Spinach and Cream:

Take the pan off the heat and drop in your chopped fresh spinach Stir gently until the leaves just wilt Pour in the heavy cream then add your grated parmesan and fresh basil Give it one last stir so the cheese melts and everything comes together into a silky sauce

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My favorite ingredient has to be the sun dried tomatoes The sweet tang mixes with the creamy sauce in a way that reminds me of cozy nights around the table with my family Everyone always sneaks extra pieces from the pot. One time my sister swirled in a handful of extra basil and that version disappeared even faster.

Storage Tips

This recipe stores beautifully in the fridge in a sealed container for up to three days The sauce thickens when chilled but loosens up again if you add a splash of veggie broth or cream as you reheat

Ingredient Substitutions

No butter beans Use cannellini or navy beans for a similar creaminess You can use kale instead of spinach or swap out the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy free version

Serving Suggestions

This dish is meant for dunking with a good sourdough or country loaf It also works spooned over hot rice farro or pasta If you want some protein on the side add crispy tofu grilled chicken or even roasted shrimp

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Cultural Context

This creamy Tuscan inspired sauce combines traditional Mediterranean flavors basil sun dried tomatoes Parmesan and blends them with the heartiness of beans Beans have long been a comfort food across Italy often paired with greens and pantry flavorings The Marry Me sauce name comes from its widely loved reputation and how everyone wants to say yes to a second bowl

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, but cook them fully before use. Canned beans save time, while cooked dried beans add a homemade touch.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

Kale, chard, or baby arugula are tasty alternatives that pair well with the creamy sauce and beans.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this dish?

Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a plain, unsweetened plant-based milk for creaminess without dairy.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

All main ingredients are gluten-free; just serve with gluten-free bread, pasta, or rice as desired.

→ What proteins can I add for variation?

Crispy tofu, chickpeas, or cooked chicken complement the creamy sauce and boost the protein content.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.