Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are one of those recipes that feels special enough for a fancy dinner but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Creamy and packed with bold Tuscan flavor, these vegetarian beans are luscious spooned over rice or crusty bread. They are a savory main dish or comforting side that is big on taste and extra easy to adapt if you need to use pantry staples or swap in your favorite greens. Every bite tastes like love in a bowl.

The first chilly night after summer ended I made these on a whim and my partner immediately asked if we could have them every week. The creamy sauce and punchy tomatoes make it impossible not to go back for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter beans: Canned for quick cooking with a creamy tender texture. Look for cans with just beans, water, and salt, or cook your own from dry for extra flavor.
• Unsalted butter: For richness. Adds a silky base to the sauce. Use high quality butter for best taste or swap for vegan if needed.
• Garlic: Fresh is best here to boost the aromatics. Mince finely for even distribution.
• Organic sundried tomatoes: Bring deep umami and a sweet concentrated tang. Look for oil packed ones if possible for extra flavor.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor. Always choose organic or double concentrate for a deeper color and richer taste.
• Tuscan Marry Me blend: These herbs and spices are the magic behind the signature flavor. Make your own for control or buy a good quality Italian blend as backup.
• Sea salt: Brightens everything and draws out the herbal notes. Use flaky sea salt for best results.
• Organic heavy cream: For the sauce base. Adds luxurious texture. Choose full fat for ultimate decadence or coconut cream for dairy free.
• Vegetable stock: Gives depth and brings the sauce together. Use a low sodium high quality stock for balance.
• White cooking wine: Adds acidity and enriches the sauce. You can use extra stock for an alcohol free version.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: For freshness and balancing richness. Always use fresh lemon here. Avoid bottled for best brightness.
• Organic kale: For a boost of greens. Chop small for quick wilting and best texture. Lacinato kale works great or use a mix of your favorites.
• Freshly grated parmesan: For nutty saltiness and extra umami. Fresh from the block is best for smooth melting. Use your favorite dairy free alternative as needed.

How to Make It

Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

In a medium skillet, melt the butter completely over medium heat until it is just foaming. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in Tuscan blend spices and sea salt until well combined. Add sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir with a wooden spoon, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.

Build the Sauce Base:

Lower the heat to medium low. Pour in heavy cream followed by vegetable stock, lemon juice, and white wine. Stir until silky smooth. Let the mixture bubble gently for one to two minutes.

Add the Cheese and Thicken the Sauce:

Sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan. Whisk until the cheese melts completely and the sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon, about two to three minutes.

Add the Greens and Beans:

Stir in the chopped kale and allow it to wilt quickly. Add the drained butter beans and turn them through the sauce. Gently mash a few beans against the side of the pan to make the sauce even creamier. Simmer everything for five to six minutes until the beans are tender and the sauce clings thickly.

Finish and Serve:

Once the beans are tender and the kale is soft, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or a small splash of lemon if needed. Serve straight from the pan topped with more parmesan or your favorite side such as rice, mashed potatoes, garlicky roasted vegetables, or toasted bread wedges.

Parmesan is my favorite finishing touch here. There is something about the way it melts into the sauce and adds a nutty salty bite. My partner and I first made this together while snowed in and we both agreed sundried tomatoes are the real secret that make this taste restaurant worthy.

Flavor Boosters

Leftover Tuscan spice blend keeps for months so make a double batch. Season generously as you go and do not rush caramelizing the tomato paste as it deepens the overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main over steamed rice, creamy polenta, or with warm focaccia. Try it alongside roasted broccolini for extra greens or spoon over soft mashed potatoes for ultimate winter comfort. Leftovers make an amazing lunch wrapped in pita bread.

Creative Twists

Swap butter beans for cannellini, great northern, or even chickpeas if you prefer, baby lima beans also work well. For a dairy free version, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and your favorite vegan parmesan. Herb roasted tomatoes are a tasty substitute for sundried tomatoes if you have some on hand.

This recipe is special enough to impress at a dinner party but easy enough for any night. I hope it helps you create cozy moments and delicious memories.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of beans work best for this dish?

Butter beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but other white beans like cannellini or great northern beans can also be used.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter for vegan butter, use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and replace parmesan with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried?

Yes, roasted herb tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes sautéed briefly will add great flavor as a substitute for sundried tomatoes.

→ Do leftovers store well?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of cream or stock when reheating to restore the sauce's creaminess.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, garlicky bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely. This dish is bold and flavorful, but you can reduce the Tuscan blend or certain spices to fit your taste preferences.