Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, perfect as a comforting vegetarian meal or side dish. This recipe can be easily adapted to vegan preferences using coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan option)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for vegan option)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Heat the Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, forming the flavor base of the dish.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes allowing them to release their rich flavors. Then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and mix in the heavy cream to form a creamy base.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, coating them thoroughly with the sauce. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes so they absorb the flavors fully.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if vegan. This will help thicken the sauce naturally. If the sauce is too thick, adjust by adding a bit more broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil atop for a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor. Garnish with extra basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- For added heat, adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Serve this creamy Tuscan butter beans dish over rice, pasta, or toasted bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt according to your broth’s sodium content for a balanced flavor.
- The dish keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Butter Beans Recipe, Vegetarian Italian Dish, Vegan Butter Beans, Tuscan Beans with Cream Sauce