Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, then these Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) are just what you need! This recipe brings together creamy butter beans and a rich, flavorful sauce that feels indulgent yet takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of it long after the last bite!
What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or a side, it’s comforting and satisfying in every way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and rich flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich butter beans, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Versatile Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can easily mix in different veggies or proteins to fit your style.
- Comfort Food Delight: It’s hard to beat the cozy feel of creamy beans wrapped in a savory sauce—ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful dish! Most of these items are pantry staples, so you’ll likely have them on hand already.
- 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)
- 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! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Swap the greens: Instead of spinach, try kale or even arugula for a peppery twist.
- Add some crunch: Toss in crispy tofu or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce!
- Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté everything for about two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step is key; it infuses the butter with all those wonderful flavors that will coat our beans beautifully!
Step 2: Add the Fillings
Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with vegetable broth and your drained butter beans. Let everything cook together uncovered on medium heat for about five minutes. This allows the beans to absorb all those rich flavors while they warm through—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 3: Finish It Off
Remove the pan from heat and fold in chopped fresh spinach until it wilts down. Then stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan along with fresh basil. This final touch gives your Marry Me Butter Beans that creamy texture that’s simply irresistible! Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside pasta for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
Creating the perfect Marry Me Butter Beans is easy and fun, especially with a few simple tips to elevate your dish!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and spinach can make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried or wilted alternatives. Fresh ingredients bring brightness and depth to the creamy sauce.
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Adjust the broth for thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, start with ½ cup of vegetable broth and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. This way, you control the richness while ensuring it doesn’t become too soupy.
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Add protein for heartiness: For a more filling meal, consider adding crispy tofu or chickpeas. Not only do they provide extra protein, but they also complement the creamy texture of the dish beautifully.
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Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels according to your taste! If you enjoy heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes; if you prefer milder flavors, reduce them.
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Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to save time during busy weeknights!
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
Serving your Marry Me Butter Beans is part of the joy of cooking! Here are some delicious ideas on how to present this comforting dish beautifully.
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves: Sprinkle additional chopped basil on top just before serving for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick and visual interest to your dish.
- Parmesan shavings: For an elegant finish, top with thin shavings of parmesan cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) that will melt slightly into the warm sauce.
Side Dishes
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Crusty bread: Serve alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into that luscious creamy sauce. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit!
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Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans provides a vibrant contrast in color and adds nutritious crunch to your meal.
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Simple salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the butter beans while adding freshness.
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Quinoa or rice: Serve over fluffy quinoa or rice for a hearty meal that rounds out your plate and makes it incredibly satisfying!
Enjoy preparing and sharing this delightful dish with family or friends! Your Marry Me Butter Beans are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover butter bean mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- If possible, store the creamy sauce separately from other ingredients to maintain texture.
Freezing
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer the cooled butter beans into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Seal tightly and label with the date; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen butter beans overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir occasionally until heated through; serve hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Marry Me Butter Beans that may help you!
Can I use different types of beans for Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?
Absolutely! While butter beans provide a creamy texture, you can substitute with other beans like white beans or chickpeas. Just adjust cooking times if using dried beans.
What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?
These butter beans are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with crusty bread, over rice, or tossed with pasta. Feel free to get creative!
How can I make Marry Me Butter Beans healthier?
To lighten up this recipe, consider using less heavy cream or substituting it with a plant-based cream alternative. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more spinach or other greens.
Can I make Marry Me Butter Beans in advance?
Yes! This dish is excellent for meal prep and stores well in the fridge or freezer, as mentioned above. Enjoy it throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Marry Me Butter Beans recipe finds its way into your kitchen and heart! It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with comfort and flavor—perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy creating your own variations, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences. Happy cooking!
Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce), a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, rich delight featuring tender butter beans enveloped in a luscious sauce. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs creates a vibrant meal that appeals to all ages. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Plus, it offers versatility; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for an even more delightful experience!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
- ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 15-oz cans butter beans (drained)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
- ½ cup grated parmesan or plant-based cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth, followed by drained butter beans. Cook uncovered for about five minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
