There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty meal on a busy weeknight. Recently, when I found myself craving something flavorful yet simple, I turned to this creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans recipe. With just 15 minutes of active cooking time, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. The rich, cheesy sauce envelops tender butter beans, delivering a burst of vibrant Tuscan flavors that warms the soul.
I remember the first time I served this to friends; their delighted reactions made me feel like a culinary hero. With options for dairy-free adjustments and versatile bean substitutions, it’s not only a celebration of flavor but also a dish that fits comfortably into various dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a quick, satisfying dinner, this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans recipe is sure to steal hearts, one spoonful at a time. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that just might make you want to shout, “Marry me!”
Why Are Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Awesome?
Quick and Easy: Get a hearty meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Creamy Delight: The rich, cheesy sauce envelops tender butter beans, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Flavor Explosion: Bursting with vibrant Tuscan flavors, it’s a culinary adventure in every bite!
Versatile: Easily adapt for dietary needs with dairy-free or bean substitutions, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with garlic bread for a complete experience.
Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Ingredients
For the Beans
• Butter Beans – The star of the dish, these beans provide both protein and creaminess; feel free to swap with soaked dried beans or chickpeas for variety.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich flavor to the sauce; use vegan butter for a delightful dairy-free option.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful aromatic touch; its flavors are vital for the best results.
• Sundried Tomatoes – These pack a sweet and tangy punch; roasted tomatoes can be a wonderful substitute if preferred.
• Tomato Paste – This thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor; it’s essential for that classic taste.
• Tuscan Marry Me Blend – A special spice mix to capture authentic flavors; try making your own or pick up a premade mix.
• Sea Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish; adjust based on your taste.
• Heavy Cream – Key for a deliciously creamy sauce; full-fat coconut milk works perfectly as a dairy-free substitute.
• Vegetable Stock – Provides a flavorful base; choose a vegetarian stock to keep it in line with the dietary theme.
• White Cooking Wine – Introduces acidity and depth; you can skip it for a non-alcoholic version or replace it with extra vegetable stock.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh-squeezed lemon juice adds brightness to the dish; always go for fresh for optimum flavor.
• Chopped Kale – Provides a boost of color and nutrition; feel free to replace with spinach or asparagus if desired.
• Parmesan Cheese – The final touch for a sharp, cheesy flavor; nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese can be used for a vegan option.
How to Make Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans
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Melt: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly. This will create a rich base for the sauce.
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Sauté: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. The garlic should become slightly golden but not burnt.
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Mix: Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, mixing well before adding the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. This will create a fragrant mixture full of flavor.
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Combine: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, and cooking wine, stirring until blended and bubbly. The mixture should become creamy and inviting.
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Whisk: Whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes. You want it to be creamy but not too thick.
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Simmer: Add the chopped kale and drained butter beans, simmering for approximately 5-6 minutes until the beans are tender and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired. This dish is perfect for impressing guests!
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of vegetable stock or cream when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little liquid if necessary to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Leftover Sauce: If you have extra sauce, save it separately! It can be delicious with pasta or as a spread on toast.
Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Variations
Feel free to mix and match elements of this dish to make it your own and ignite your culinary creativity!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter and heavy cream with vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk for a deliciously creamy yet dairy-free version.
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Bean Swap: For a delightful twist in texture, switch butter beans for creamy cannellini beans or hearty chickpeas. Each option brings its own rich flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while sautéing garlic for a mild heat that enhances the vibrant flavors. It’s a perfect way to keep things exciting!
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavors wonderfully. Stir in a handful right before serving to brighten everything up!
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Roasted Veggies: Toss in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini during the last few minutes of simmering. This adds depth and a wonderful roasted taste to your dish.
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Additional Greens: Boost the nutrition by incorporating spinach or broccolini; add them in step 6 for an extra burst of color and health benefits.
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Zesty Flavor: Squeeze in a little extra lemon juice before serving to enhance the dish’s brightness and balance out the richness.
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Nutty Crunch: Top your finished dish with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy contrast that brings delightful texture to every spoonful.
Each of these variations can turn your Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans into a personalized masterpiece that caters beautifully to your taste buds!
Make Ahead Options
These Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the sauce (without the beans and greens) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its rich creaminess. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed. The beans can be cooked and kept separate until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, combine the sauce with the butter beans and sautéed greens for a quick and delicious finish. Enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal that’s just as delightful—only quicker!
What to Serve with Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavors of this creamy delight.
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Fluffy Rice: Soft grains that soak up the rich sauce, providing a perfect balance to the heartiness of the beans.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy and fragrant, this savory side adds a crunch and is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
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Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and creamy, these make for a cozy side that complements the dish’s richness beautifully.
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Steamed Asparagus: Bright and fresh, the crunch of asparagus contrasts nicely with the creamy beans, adding a nutritious element.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies brings both color and a depth of flavor, making your plate visually appealing and delicious.
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Mixed Green Salad: Crisp greens with a tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the decadent butter beans wonderfully.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the meal, offering a crisp finish to the rich flavors.
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Lemon Bars: End your meal on a sweet note with these tangy desserts, refreshing your palate after the savory main dish.
Expert Tips for Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality butter enhance flavors tremendously; they set a solid base for your dish.
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Adjust Cooking Time: If using firmer beans, like chickpeas, be vigilant and check for tenderness while simmering.
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Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
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Experiment with Greens: Feel free to swap in other greens such as spinach or broccolini for added nutrition; just add them at the same time as the kale.
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Flavor Variations: For a bolder flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick in each bite.
Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best butter beans?
Absolutely! When selecting butter beans, look for those that are plump and uniform in color. Avoid any with dark spots all over or those that feel hard or shriveled. Freshness is key, whether you’re buying canned or dried—if you’re opting for dried beans, soak them overnight for the best results.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftover Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the dish from becoming too thick when reheating, add a splash of vegetable stock or cream, stirring well before heating over low temperature to maintain that creamy texture.
Can I freeze Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans?
Of course! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed to restore creaminess.
What if the sauce gets too thick during reheating?
Not a problem! If you find that the sauce has thickened too much when reheating, simply stir in a bit of vegetable stock or cream about 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain that velvety, creamy texture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of the Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans, simply substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan, keeping all the delicious flavor without the dairy.
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Very! When making Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans, be cautious if you have allergies. The key ingredients such as butter, cream, and Parmesan can contain allergens like dairy. Always double-check labels or opt for dairy-free substitutes, like nutritional yeast, for a safe and delicious experience.
Delicious Tuscan 'Marry Me' Butter Beans in Just 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, then add sundried tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, and cooking wine, stirring until blended.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped kale and drained butter beans, simmering for approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan if desired.