Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious dish that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve got to try my Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce). This recipe is a true gem in my kitchen because it combines creamy butter beans with a rich, flavorful sauce that makes for the perfect comfort food. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy favorite for everyone.

I love how versatile these Marry Me Butter Beans are! You can easily customize them to fit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, the best part? You can enjoy them with crusty bread, over rice, or tossed with pasta. Trust me; you’ll want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: The creamy texture and flavors appeal to kids and adults alike—perfect for any dinner table!
• Versatile options: Feel free to switch up the greens or add in your favorite proteins for a twist on the classic.
• Comforting and satisfying: Each bite is packed with flavor and richness that warms you from the inside out.
• Plant-based goodness: This dish is vegetarian-friendly and full of wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Marry Me Butter Beans! These pantry staples come together to create a mouthwatering sauce that pairs perfectly with tender butter beans.

For the Sauce

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp each salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Filling

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (120 to 236 mL)
• 2 15-oz cans butter beans (aka lima beans, drained, 425 g cans)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream (can sub half-and-half, 236 mL)
• ½ cup grated parmesan (50 g)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the greens: Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Add protein: Toss in crispy tofu or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
• Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy more heat.
• Switch up the cheese: Try nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Step 1: Create Your Flavor Base

Start by heating 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Sauté everything together for about two minutes until that lovely garlic aroma fills your kitchen. This step builds the foundation of flavor!

Step 2: Stir in Your Fillings

Next, toss in ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with your vegetable broth and drained butter beans. Give it all a good stir and let it cook uncovered on medium heat for about five minutes. This allows those buttery beans to soak up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 3: Finish It Off

Once your mixture is nice and heated through, remove it from heat. Fold in one cup of freshly chopped spinach until it wilts down beautifully. Then stir in one cup of heavy cream along with grated parmesan and fresh basil. Mix until everything is combined and creamy! Serve warm with crusty bread or over pasta for an unforgettable meal.

Enjoy every comforting bite of these Marry Me Butter Beans—they’re sure to win hearts at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Cooking should be a joyous experience, and these tips will help you create the best Marry Me Butter Beans with ease!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and basil can make a remarkable difference in flavor. Fresh herbs and produce contribute bright flavors that dried or store-bought alternatives simply cannot match.

• Adjust the spice levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, add more to give your creamy sauce an extra kick!

• Experiment with greens: While spinach is delightful, substituting it with kale or arugula can add unique textures and flavors. These greens not only provide variety but also pack additional nutrients.

• Make it creamy without dairy: For a non-dairy version, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich while catering to those with dietary restrictions.

• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain that creamy texture without curdling.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious! Serve it in a large bowl for family-style dining or portion it out onto individual plates for a more refined presentation. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a lovely touch.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A dash on top enhances the visual appeal while providing an extra kick for those who enjoy heat.
• Lemon zest: A light grating of lemon zest over the top brings brightness and balances the richness of the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy slices of garlic bread are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, making every bite irresistible.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta makes a great complement to the richness of the butter beans.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and balance to your meal while contributing additional nutrients.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a crisp contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce without overwhelming its flavors.

Let your imagination run wild as you pair your Marry Me Butter Beans with these delicious sides! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Let the butter beans cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the butter beans into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen butter beans overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish in one-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) that might help you out!

Can I use other types of beans instead of butter beans?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights butter beans, you can substitute them with other varieties like cannellini or great northern beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make my Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese option to maintain that creamy texture.

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?

These delicious butter beans pair beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. You could also add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Marry Me Butter Beans as much as I do! This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about comfort and sharing moments around the dinner table. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it to guests, I know it will bring smiles all around. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients and share your variations with friends and family. Happy cooking!