Name: Irresistibly Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans in Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option); 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh); ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon oregano (fresh preferred); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped (oil-packed preferred); ½–1 cup vegetable broth (½ cup for thick sauce, up to 1 cup for looser); 2 cans butter beans, drained (or lima beans); 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or kale); 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter version); ½ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan option); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option)

4 cloves garlic (minced) (use fresh garlic for the best results)

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon oregano (fresh is preferable for a more vibrant flavor)

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (can be substituted with regular paprika)

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped) (opt for oil-packed for more richness)

½-1 cup vegetable broth (use ½ cup for thick sauce, up to 1 cup for looser)

2 cans butter beans (drained) (can substitute with lima beans)

1 cup chopped fresh spinach (can use other greens like kale)

1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter version)

½ cup grated Parmesan (nutritional yeast can work for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (fresh is recommended for maximum flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling gently.

Step 2: Toss in the minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the drained butter beans to the pan, stirring well. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Fold in the chopped fresh spinach until just wilted.

Step 6: Mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 7: Serve the creamy butter beans over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor and silky sauce.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.

Swap butter beans with lima beans or cannellini beans for a different texture.

Fresh oregano and basil bring brighter flavors, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or another plant-based cream substitute, and swap grated Parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful while maintaining a vegan profile.

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

This creamy bean dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, your favorite pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.