These creamy butter beans are dressed in a rich Tuscan sauce that will make your taste buds dance! With garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is a delight.
I promise, this dish is so good you’ll want to “marry” it! Perfect as a meal or a side, it’s super easy to whip up for any night of the week. Just gather, cook, and enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing due to its flavor. If you need a substitute, consider avocado oil or even butter for a richer taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: While I love the depth of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist on flavor.
Butter Beans: If butter beans are hard to find, cannellini or navy beans are good alternatives that fit well with the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re dairy-free, but keep in mind it will give a different taste.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds nutty flavor and creamy texture. Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan substitute for added flavor.
How Can I Avoid A Curdled Cream Sauce?
A creamy sauce can sometimes curdle if heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Here are tips to ensure your sauce stays smooth:
- Always reduce the heat to low after adding the cream and cheese to prevent any sudden temperature change.
- Gradually add the cream while stirring continuously, which helps achieve a uniform mixture.
- Make sure your cream is at room temperature before adding, as this reduces the temperature shock.
Following these tips will help create a deliciously smooth and creamy sauce for your butter beans!
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or Tuscan seasoning
- 2 (15-ounce) cans large butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, savory meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This step is key to releasing that wonderful garlic aroma!
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and your dried Italian herbs or Tuscan seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
3. Incorporate the Butter Beans:
Now, it’s time to add the drained butter beans to the pan. Gently stir to combine the beans with the garlic and tomato mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Simmer with Vegetable Broth:
Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes; this helps the broth reduce slightly and infuses the beans with flavor.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat, and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce is creamy and has thickened just a bit. Be sure to keep mixing to prevent any sticking!
6. Add Spinach:
Once your sauce is creamy, toss in the fresh baby spinach leaves. Stir well until the spinach is wilted and nicely mixed into the creamy sauce.
7. Season Your Dish:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to ensure your seasoning is evenly distributed.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your creamy Tuscan butter beans warm, either on their own or as a delightful side dish with crusty bread or over pasta.
Enjoy your luscious, creamy Tuscan butter beans inspired by the popular “Marry Me” dish flavors! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more.
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! If you can’t find butter beans, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or navy beans. They will work perfectly in the creamy sauce too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian, just ensure the vegetable broth is suitable. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the beans in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What Should I Serve With Marry Me Butter Beans?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over pasta, risotto, or with crusty bread to soak up that flavorful sauce. A simple salad on the side would add a nice fresh touch!
