Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a hearty, comforting vegetarian dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table. It features tender butter beans simmered in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. A plant-based twist on the viral “Marry Me” recipe trend, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying—even for meat lovers. Butter beans offer a creamy texture and are rich in protein and fiber, while the sauce is indulgent yet simple to prepare. You’ll love that it’s:

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• Vegetarian-friendly and easily made vegan
• Perfect as a main course or side
• Comforting without being heavy
• Ideal for serving with bread, pasta, or rice

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

directions

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and about ½ cup of vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add the butter beans and stir to coat them in the mixture. Let them heat through for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed.
5. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Finish with chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve warm with crusty bread, over pasta, or with rice.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• More Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more texture and color.
• Make it Spicier: Increase the crushed red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or over roasted veggies.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream may separate upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts.

FAQs

Can I use dry beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be soaked and fully cooked before using. This adds prep time but works well.

Is this dish vegan?

It can easily be made vegan by swapping out the butter, cream, and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.

Are butter beans and lima beans the same?

Yes, they are the same legume. “Butter beans” is just another name for mature lima beans.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Absolutely. Just chop it finely and cook a bit longer to soften.

Can I add pasta directly to the skillet?

You can stir in cooked pasta at the end to make it a full one-dish meal.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with roasted red peppers or use fresh cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check any store-bought broth or cheese.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well. Make the dish up to 2 days ahead and reheat before serving.

What wine pairs well with this?

A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti complements the creamy, herby flavors.

Can I serve this cold as a salad?

It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature as a bean salad.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is everything a comforting meal should be—rich, flavorful, quick to make, and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian main or a versatile side, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity. Try it once, and it might just be a dish you “marry.”

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