Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

If you’re looking for a quick and comforting dish that warms the heart, let me introduce you to my beloved Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce). This recipe has become a favorite in my home, thanks to its creamy goodness and robust flavors. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to impress at family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.

What makes this dish truly special is how easily it comes together—just 15 minutes from start to finish! With pre-cooked butter beans and a rich, creamy sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try different variations like adding kale instead of spinach or crispy tofu for an extra protein boost!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep: This dish is ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Comforting flavors: The creamy Tuscan sauce wraps around the butter beans perfectly, creating a warm hug in a bowl.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love this hearty dish, even picky eaters!
• Versatile options: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Easily make ahead: Prep the ingredients in advance for a no-stress dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up these Marry Me Butter Beans. You might already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

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
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (120 to 236 mL)

For the Main Dish

• 2 15-oz cans butter beans (aka lima beans, drained, 425 g cans)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream (can sub half-and-half, 236 mL)
• ½ cup grated parmesan (50 g)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste preferences.

• Swap the greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Add protein: Toss in some crispy tofu or chickpeas for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños.
• Creamy alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option that adds a unique flavor twist.

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

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base

Start by heating 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant—this step is key as it builds the foundation of flavors for our sauce.

Step 2: Add Fillings

Next up, stir in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes along with your choice of vegetable broth (between ½ to 1 cup). Then add those lovely butter beans! Let this mixture cook uncovered on medium heat for about 5 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while warming up the beans.

Step 3: Finish It Off

Remove your pan from heat and fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach until it wilts down nicely. Now it’s time for the creaminess! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with ½ cup of grated parmesan and finish with 2 Tbsp of freshly chopped basil. Give everything a good mix until it’s combined beautifully. Serve this delightful dish warm with crusty bread or over rice or pasta—whatever makes your heart happy!

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce). Happy cooking!

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

Creating the perfect bowl of Marry Me Butter Beans is easy and fun with these helpful tips!

• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor. This not only elevates the overall taste but also adds a delightful texture to your dish.

• Don’t skip the fresh herbs: Fresh basil makes a world of difference! It brightens up the creamy sauce and adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the butter beans beautifully.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy while reducing its richness, making it great for any occasion.

• Experiment with greens: Feel free to swap spinach for other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. This flexibility not only changes the flavor profile but adds different nutrients to your meal.

• Make it hearty: For an extra boost of protein, add crispy tofu or chickpeas alongside the butter beans. This transforms your dish into a more filling main course that’s satisfying and delicious.

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

Serving Marry Me Butter Beans is all about presentation and pairing options that enhance this delightful dish. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: Scatter a few whole leaves over the top just before serving for an aromatic finish.
• Grated vegan parmesan: Sprinkle some vegan parmesan on top for an added cheesy flavor that keeps it plant-based.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch of these will give your dish a touch of heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce and adds a comforting touch to your meal.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich butter beans.
• Quinoa: This nutty grain is not only nutritious but also absorbs sauces beautifully, making it an excellent base for serving alongside your butter beans.
• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and depth, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

Serving Marry Me Butter Beans in fun ways can transform your dining experience into something special. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up quickly, and it stores well for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep it sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing odors from other foods.

Freezing

• Portion out the butter beans into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stovetop, place in a pot over medium heat and stir until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream if it seems too thick after freezing.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce).

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! If you prefer dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

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

These delicious butter beans pair wonderfully with crusty bread, over rice, or served alongside pasta. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) vegan-friendly, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)! This recipe is not just quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that’s sure to warm your heart. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or prepping for busy days ahead, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!