Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: A Flavorful Delight!
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are rich, cozy, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor. Inspired by the popular “marry me” style dishes, this recipe swaps meat for creamy butter beans while keeping everything people love about the original concept. A velvety sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, cream, and Parmesan wraps around tender beans, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Butter beans are ideal here. They are soft, creamy, and sturdy enough to hold their shape while soaking up flavor. Combined with Tuscan-style ingredients, they turn into a satisfying vegetarian-friendly meal that works just as well served over pasta or rice as it does with crusty bread. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped
2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion or shallot and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Add dried herbs and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the butter beans and stir carefully to coat them in the sauce.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
Add Parmesan cheese and spinach or kale if using. Simmer until greens wilt and sauce thickens slightly.
Taste, season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Tips
Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
Drain beans well to avoid watering down the sauce.
Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent separation.
Stir carefully to keep beans intact.
Parmesan adds saltiness, so season gradually.
Fresh basil added at the end keeps flavor bright.
If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
Serve immediately for best texture.
A wide skillet helps sauce reduce evenly.
Pair with bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
Variations
Add mushrooms for extra savory depth.
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Swap butter beans for cannellini beans.
Add lemon zest for brightness.
Stir in cooked pasta directly for a one-pan meal.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use pecorino instead of Parmesan.
Add artichoke hearts for a Tuscan touch.
Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
Add white wine before broth for deeper flavor.
Q&A
What are butter beans?
They are large, creamy white beans also known as lima beans.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, if vegetable broth is used.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently over low heat.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce.
What should I serve it with?
Crusty bread, pasta, rice, or polenta.
Is it spicy?
Only mildly, and you can adjust easily.
Can I use dried beans?
Yes, but cook them fully before using.
How thick should the sauce be?
Creamy and spoonable, not too thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 16g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans prove that comfort food does not need meat to feel rich or satisfying. With creamy beans, bold Mediterranean flavors, and a silky sauce, this dish delivers warmth and indulgence in every bite. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, it is the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests and just might live up to its name.