This dish features buttery beans mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and rich cream. It’s cozy, and the flavors bring a smile to your face with every bite!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to marry these beans? They are that good! I love serving them with crusty bread for an easy and delicious meal everyone enjoys.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter Beans: These creamy beans are the star of the dish. If you can’t find butter beans, great northern or cannellini beans work well too. They have a similar texture and will soak up flavors nicely.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I prefer the kind not packed in oil because they have a better texture. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes can be roasted until soft, adding a different but delightful flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for taste and meltability. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. Grana Padano or Pecorino could also work if you want a different cheese taste.
How Do I Achieve the Creamiest Sauce?
The creaminess of the sauce depends on a few steps. First, when adding the heavy cream, make sure your heat is low to prevent it from boiling, as this can cause it to curdle. Stir constantly until it’s mixed well and starts to thicken. Here’s how:
- After adding the cream, reduce the heat to low and stir slowly for about 3 minutes.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring it in until it completely melts and integrates into the sauce.
- Avoid letting the mixture boil—this keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
With these tips, you’ll have the perfect creamy sauce that wraps around each bean beautifully! Enjoy!
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably not in oil), chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: crusty bread slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have this creamy, flavorful meal ready in about 30-35 minutes—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small onion. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and fragrant.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for another 2 minutes so their flavors can infuse into the oil and onions.
3. Introduce the Butter Beans:
Now, add 2 cans of drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients nicely.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Add 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the beans soak up some delicious flavor!
5. Cream it Up:
Lower the heat slightly, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it carefully and let the mixture thicken a bit, which should take about 3 minutes.
6. Add the Cheese:
Mix in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy.
7. Toss in the Spinach:
Now, add 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves along with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
8. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking and give the dish one last stir.
9. Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or oregano for a burst of color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Tuscan butter beans warm, either on their own or alongside slices of toasted crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
This dish is not just a comforting side; it’s rich and flavorful enough to be the main event. Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed around using canned butter beans for convenience. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Additionally, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or can be served alongside rice or pasta. You can also enjoy it as a hearty side to grilled vegetables or a fresh salad!
