Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that elevates comfort food to gourmet status without spending hours in the kitchen, look no further than Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans. This delightful one-pan recipe not only highlights the rich flavors of buttery beans but also combines them with the delightful aromas of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It’s a meal that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is visually appealing, with its vibrant colors and creamy texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to savor it.

The beauty of Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of only 30 minutes, you can whip up an unforgettable dinner that may even tantalize your taste buds enough to propose! Additionally, the recipe is flexible, allowing you to

switch out ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, while ensuring that the taste remains remarkable. Whether you choose to keep it traditional with heavy cream or opt for coconut cream for a vegan twist, the flavor remains tantalizing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, leaving you more time to savor your meal.
• Versatile: Adaptable for both vegans and meat-lovers alike.
• Rich and Creamy: A luscious sauce that complements the tender butter beans beautifully.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from the butter beans, making it a wholesome choice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cooking Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, take a moment to set up your kitchen and gather your tools. You’ll need a large skillet or frying pan to prepare this dish efficiently. Make sure you have a wooden spoon on hand for gentle stirring. Measuring cups and spoons will help you portion out your ingredients accurately. A good chopping board and a sharp knife are essential for prepping your garlic, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes. Keeping everything organized and within reach will streamline your cooking process, ensuring you enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.

In addition to your main cooking tools, setting the stove to medium heat will allow for even cooking without burning your ingredients. Finally, having serving bowls ready will help you plate this beautiful dish when it’s done, so you can impress your family or guests with its delightful presentation.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your minced garlic and diced onion. Stir them together and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is essential as it builds a strong flavor base for your dish.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, introduce the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Sauté them along with the garlic and onion for another 1 to 2 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to release their flavors, enriching the dish with their tangy goodness.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As soon as it reaches this point, add your heavy cream (or coconut cream). Stir thoroughly to ensure a smooth integration of all ingredients, creating a luscious creamy base that will coat the beans perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate the Butter Beans

Once your cream base is ready, toss in the rinsed butter beans and stir gently. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, giving the beans time to heat through and absorb the flavors. Be careful not to mash the beans as they’re very tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Now, it’s time to mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it into the pan, letting it melt and thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. If the sauce is looking a bit too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth to loosen it up.

Step 6: Final Touches

At this stage, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Finish by stirring in the fresh basil for an aromatic boost. Now, your Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are ready to be served! Garnish with extra basil for a beautiful presentation.

Variations

• Protein: Add cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a meatier version.
• Vegetables: Mix in some sautéed spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

• Fresh basil enhances the flavor significantly. Make sure to use it if possible!
• If using canned butter beans, rinse them well to eliminate excess sodium and enhance the dish’s flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of cooked rice or pasta to absorb the delicious creamy sauce.
• Pair with a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Tips

• Always taste as you go. Adjusting seasoning in stages ensures the best flavor outcome.
• To make it quicker, prep your ingredients ahead of time and have everything measured out.
• For a vegan version, simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
• Don’t be afraid to customize the dish to your personal taste preferences—have fun with it!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approx. 400 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 560mg

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to achieve the desired consistency if needed.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for butter beans?

If you can’t find butter beans, cannellini or navy beans are great alternatives that will work well in this recipe.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes; however, the dish will lack some of the concentrated flavor that sun-dried tomatoes provide. Consider adding a bit of tomato paste for depth.

Conclusion

In summary, Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a dish that delivers a wonderful combination of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation. Its rich, creamy sauce envelops hearty butter beans, making it an irresistible choice for any meal occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, it retains a level of elegance that’s sure to impress. This recipe deserves a place in your weekly dinner rotation due to its quick preparation time and adaptability to various tastes and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, and let us know in the comments how your version turned out!

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