Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and full of flavor

• A hearty, meatless main dish

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• One-pan cleanup

• Bursting with Tuscan-inspired ingredients

• High in plant-based protein

• Versatile and customizable

• Perfect for leftovers

• Pairs well with pasta, rice, or bread

• Ideal for family dinners or date nights

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute.

3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.

6. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

7. Add butter beans and simmer for 5 minutes.

8. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

9. Finish with fresh lemon juice.

10. Serve hot, garnished with basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein

• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version

• Add mushrooms, olives, or feta for a Mediterranean twist

• Use crushed tomatoes for a tomato-based sauce

• Make it spicier with diced jalapeños or extra pepper flakes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. What are Marry Me Butter Beans?

They’re a creamy, Tuscan-style dish featuring butter beans in a flavorful, rich sauce.

2. Why are they called “Marry Me” Butter Beans?

The dish is so delicious it’s jokingly said to be proposal-worthy!

3. Can I use canned butter beans?

Yes, canned butter beans are perfect—just rinse and drain them before use.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Coconut cream or a plant-based alternative works great for a dairy-free version.

5. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

6. What should I serve with this dish?

Serve with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

7. Can I freeze Marry Me Butter Beans?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Thaw and reheat gently.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or kale would be delicious additions.

10. Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to your taste.

Conclusion

Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce is a flavorful, heartwarming dish that’s both simple and gourmet. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste and comfort. Serve it once, and it just might become a household favorite!

Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

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Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce is a rich, comforting, one-pan dish that transforms humble butter beans into a creamy, flavorful meal. Infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this plant-based recipe is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Tuscan
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 cups fresh spinach

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

• Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 more minute.

• Add Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

• Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.

• Season: Add oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to taste.

• Add Beans & Spinach: Stir in butter beans and simmer for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

• Finish & Serve: Stir in lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For a vegan version, use coconut cream and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Great served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Customize with mushrooms, olives, or feta for a Mediterranean spin.

Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.