Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

If you love rich, comforting meals with a touch of elegance, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans.

Inspired by the beloved “marry me” dishes (rumored to be so good they might spark a proposal), this recipe takes the concept to new heights with a Mediterranean twist. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight-friendly meal that also feels special enough for entertaining.

Imagine tender butter beans simmered in a luxurious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, finished with fresh basil for brightness. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and Tuscan charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan simplicity – easy cleanup and minimal effort.
Versatile – serve as a main course, hearty side, or meatless option.

Customizable – keep it vegetarian, make it vegan, or add protein like chicken or shrimp.
Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter Beans – canned for convenience, or cook dried beans if you prefer.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – tangy and savory, they define the flavor profile.
Garlic & Onion – for an aromatic, flavorful base.
Heavy Cream – makes the sauce rich and velvety. (Use coconut cream for a vegan option.)
Chicken or Vegetable Broth – adds depth.
Parmesan Cheese – for creamy, umami richness. (Nutritional yeast works for dairy-free.)
Fresh Basil – for a fragrant finish.
Olive Oil – to sauté.
Seasonings – Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Build the Sauce

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them release their flavor for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and stir in the cream.

3. Add the Butter Beans

Gently fold in the butter beans, coating them in the sauce. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Thicken & Season

Stir in Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce. Adjust with extra broth if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Finish & Garnish

Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is endlessly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

With crusty bread – perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Over rice or pasta – for a heartier meal.
Alongside roasted vegetables – like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots.
With added protein – grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu make great additions.

Tips for Success

Canned vs. Dried Beans – canned beans save time, but if you’re using dried, soak overnight and cook until tender.
Brighten the flavor – add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Storage – keeps in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Freezing – best to freeze without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this vegan?
Yes – swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

Can I add greens?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or arugula stirred in at the end work beautifully.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, though cream sauces may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the cream, then stir it in after reheating.

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans (Printable Recipe Card)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)

2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed & drained
½ cup grated Parmesan (or 3 tbsp nutritional yeast)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt, to taste
¼ tsp black pepper

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes.

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Add broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in heavy cream, then fold in butter beans. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.

Season, garnish with basil, and serve warm.