When the bellies of my loved ones began to grumble and my usual recipe rotation felt stale, I decided it was time for something delightful yet straightforward. Enter the Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce! Inspired by the comforting essence of Italian cooking, this dish combines luscious butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich sauce that envelops you like a warm hug. And the best part? This beauty comes together in just 30 minutes!
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick meal or a home chef craving a comforting bowl of flavor, this recipe delivers. It’s vegan-friendly—perfect for accommodating any dietary preferences—and it boasts flavors that are sure to impress. Imagine sitting down to a masterpiece that looks and tastes like you poured hours into it, yet you secretly know it was incredibly easy to whip up. Grab your sauté pan, and let’s dive into a dish that just might spark some romance in your kitchen!
Why are Marry Me Butter Beans so irresistible?
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting, flavorful meal that feels gourmet.
Vegan-Friendly: This recipe can easily cater to plant-based diets with the use of coconut milk, making it accessible for everyone.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes delivers a rich, savory taste that captures the essence of Tuscan cooking.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or a cozy date night, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap ingredients like kale for baby spinach or incorporate roasted red peppers for a delightful twist.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed, allowing you to savor your meal without the hassle of a mountain of dishes afterward!
Marry Me Butter Beans Ingredients
Unlock the secrets of this delightful dish with these key ingredients!
For the Base
- Olive oil – Adds richness and is key for sautéing; can substitute with any cooking oil.
- Large onion – Provides a base flavor; can swap with shallots for a milder taste.
- Garlic cloves – Enhances aroma and flavor; adjust amount based on preference.
For the Sauce
- Tomato paste – Creates depth in flavor; can be replaced with crushed tomatoes if needed.
- Italian seasoning – Adds aromatic herbal notes; use dried oregano or basil as alternatives.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk – Provides creaminess; use coconut cream for the vegan version.
For the Beans
- Sun-dried tomatoes (7 oz) – Adds tang; marinated ones packed in oil are preferred.
- Butter beans (17.6 oz, drained) – Offers protein and a creamy texture; can substitute with cannellini beans.
- Baby spinach – Offers freshness and nutrition; kale can be used instead.
For Serving
- Chili oil – For heat and garnish; optional based on spice preference.
- Sourdough bread – A complementary side, great for scooping up the dish.
Dive into these ingredients and get ready to create your Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce!
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans
-
Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
-
Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Incorporate Cream and Tomatoes: Pour in the heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk, mixing well. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
-
Add Butter Beans: Stir in the drained butter beans and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through, allowing the beans to soak up all the delicious sauce.
-
Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency that clings lovingly to the beans.
-
Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, adding a vibrant pop of color and nutrition to the dish.
-
Serve: Drizzle with chili oil and serve alongside slices of sourdough bread, perfect for scooping up every luscious bite.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Marry Me Butter Beans Variations
Customize your Marry Me Butter Beans for an even more delightful experience with these tasty twists!
- Greens Swap: Replace baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier flavor. The bitterness of kale contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness. Imagine that vibrant aroma filling your kitchen!
- Peppers Galore: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smoky twist. Their sweetness will create a new depth of flavor everyone will love.
- Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, switch to low-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt for the sauce. This keeps it creamy but reduces richness!
- Protein Booster: Toss in cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein and texture. They’ll soak up the flavors while enhancing the dish’s heartiness.
- Spice It Up: Drizzle in some hot sauce or add diced jalapeños to the sauté for a kick of heat. It adds an exciting layer that will ignite your taste buds!
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving for an unexpected crunch. The nutty flavor will complement the soft beans and creamy sauce.
- Citrus Zest: Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten up the overall flavor. It’ll enhance that Tuscan vibe you love while adding a fresh zing.
What to Serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?
Create a delightful meal experience that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
-
Creamy Polenta: The smooth texture and mild flavor of polenta create a lovely contrast, soaking up the rich Tuscan sauce beautifully.
-
Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds a fresh, bright crunch that complements the creamy beans while enhancing the dish with vibrant greens.
-
Caprese Salad: With slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad brings a refreshing burst that balances the richness of the butter beans.
-
Herbed Quinoa: Nutty quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs offers a hearty yet healthy alternative, providing a filling base for the creamy dish.
-
Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread not only serves as a fantastic vehicle for the butter beans but adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
-
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: The tangy lemon and salty Parmesan elevate the simple broccoli, balancing the dish with acidity to cut through the creaminess.
-
Sparkling Water with Lime: A light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and complements this Italian-inspired meal perfectly, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage Tips for Marry Me Butter Beans
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Marry Me Butter Beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating: When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of water or vegetable broth to regain creaminess.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure safety and quality.
Make Ahead Options
These Marry Me Butter Beans are ideal for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the creamy Tuscan sauce and sauté the base (onion, garlic, and tomato paste) up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain the dish’s quality, store the drained butter beans and spinach separately, preventing sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove, stir in the butter beans, and add fresh spinach for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious as if you made it from scratch!
Helpful Tricks for Marry Me Butter Beans
-
Creamy Consistency: To achieve a luxurious texture, ensure you let the sauce simmer long enough. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
-
Ingredient Freshness: Always use the freshest ingredients possible, especially sun-dried tomatoes, to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
-
Taste Testing: Your seasoning might need adjustment; taste as you cook, especially when using canned beans, to balance flavors better.
-
Perfect Pairings: Serve with crusty sourdough bread for an authentic Italian experience that complements the creamy sauce exquisitely.
-
Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be transformed into a delicious soup by adding vegetable broth, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
-
Vegan Option: For a fully vegan version, always opt for full-fat coconut milk, which adds a delightful creaminess to your Marry Me Butter Beans.
Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe FAQs
What type of butter beans should I use?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using canned or jarred butter beans, which are tender and creamy. If you prefer, you can also use cooked dried butter beans, but make sure they are soft and tender before using them in the recipe.
How should I store leftover Marry Me Butter Beans?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing them up to maintain the creaminess and flavor.
Can I freeze Marry Me Butter Beans?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Transfer the cooled Marry Me Butter Beans into a freezer-safe container. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on low heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore the creaminess.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If you find that your sauce hasn’t thickened as expected, don’t worry! Simply let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help it thicken more quickly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Very! To keep this dish vegan-friendly, just replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, which will provide the same creaminess while keeping it plant-based. It’s a delightful substitute that fits perfectly with the Tuscan flavors.
Can I modify ingredients to cater to allergies?
Of course! If you have specific allergies, you can easily adjust the ingredients. For instance, if you’re allergic to certain beans, you might substitute with cannellini beans. Always taste as you go to ensure the flavors balance, especially when altering the seasoning. Just be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with severe allergies.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with Marry Me Butter Beans!
Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk; add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the drained butter beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Drizzle with chili oil and serve alongside slices of sourdough bread.