Name: Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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; ½ cup grated parmesan; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

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If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is my go-to dish when I want something comforting yet quick to whip up. This recipe combines creamy butter beans with a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates your dinner game without taking hours in the kitchen.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is versatile enough to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s super easy to make—perfect for those moments when you need delicious comfort food in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Creamy and Delicious: The combination of butter beans and creamy Tuscan sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish, making it perfect for family meals.
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins; it’s all about what you love!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this dish ahead of time and simply reheat for an effortless meal on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather them up, and let’s get cooking!

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 Marry Me Butter Beans is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Swap the greens: Try using kale instead of spinach for a different texture and taste.
Add some crunch: Toss in crispy tofu for added protein and a delightful crunch.
Go nutty: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños!

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Start by heating the unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Sauté everything for about two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step sets up a delicious flavor foundation for your sauce!

Step 2: Add the Fillings

Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Then add the drained butter beans into the pan. Allow this mixture to cook uncovered for five minutes on medium heat. This helps meld all those delicious flavors together while warming up the beans perfectly.

Step 3: Finish with Creaminess

Remove your pan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh spinach until it wilts down. Then stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Give everything a gentle mix until well combined. This creamy goodness makes every bite irresistible! Serve warm alongside some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling meal.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Marry Me Butter Beans!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Creating the perfect bowl of Marry Me Butter Beans is a delightful journey, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and basil make a significant difference in flavor. The freshness enhances the overall taste and aroma, making your dish irresistible.
Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or use low-fat half-and-half. This way, you can enjoy that creamy texture without it being too rich.
Customize spice levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Whether you like it spicy or mild, customizing the heat will make your dish more enjoyable.
Try different greens: Swap spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and flavor variations. Each green brings its unique taste and texture, keeping your meal exciting.
Make it a meal: Add proteins like crispy tofu or chickpeas to turn this dish into a complete meal. This not only adds heartiness but also boosts the nutritional profile.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Serving Marry Me Butter Beans is just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Red pepper flakes: A sprinkle on top provides an extra kick and visual appeal for those who love a bit of heat.
Lemon zest: A hint of citrus brightens up the dish with a refreshing note that cuts through the creaminess.

Side Dishes

Crusty artisan bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce; its texture contrasts beautifully with the butter beans.
Garlic roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection adds vibrant color and additional nutrients alongside your beans.
Mediterranean quinoa salad: Light yet filling, this salad offers a refreshing balance with its tangy dressing and crunchy veggies.
Simple green salad: Tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, this salad provides a crisp contrast that enhances each bite of your creamy butter beans.

Now that you’re equipped with pro tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to whip up this comforting dish! Enjoy every warm bite of these Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)—your taste buds will thank you!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and have delicious, comforting meals ready to go throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the butter beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

Let the dish cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
If using a microwave, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Marry Me Butter Beans!

Can I customize the Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like kale or zucchini, swap out spinach for arugula, or even toss in some crispy tofu for added protein. The possibilities are endless!

How long does it take to prepare Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?

This delightful recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

What can I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

They pair beautifully with crusty bread, over rice, or tossed with your favorite pasta. You could also enjoy them as a standalone dish!

Are there any substitutions for heavy cream in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option. Alternatively, coconut cream offers a dairy-free alternative that adds a lovely richness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan-friendly, simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version. You’ll still enjoy all the creamy goodness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Marry Me Butter Beans! This recipe not only comes together quickly but also delivers rich flavors that will warm your heart. Whether it’s just for yourself or shared with loved ones, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy this comforting dish and feel free to explore variations that suit your taste. Happy cooking!