Meet your new favorite cozy comfort food: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans. Inspired by the viral Marry Me chicken dish, this vegetarian spin features buttery white beans simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic-infused sauce—perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and finished with Parmesan and baby spinach.
It’s rich, luxurious, and surprisingly simple to make. Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or enjoy it as a hearty main dish or side. Whether you’re plant-based or just looking to eat more meatless meals, this one is a total flavor bomb.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small shallot or ½ onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Optional: lemon zest or juice for brightness
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavor.
Step 3: Add Beans and Broth
- Add butter beans and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes, allowing the beans to soak in the flavor.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
- Fold in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or lemon zest if desired.
Variation
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken
- Make It Spicy: Use extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil
- Herby Touch: Add chopped rosemary or thyme for depth
- Tomato Twist: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a deeper base
Cooking Note
Canned butter beans are tender and ready to eat, so avoid overcooking or stirring too aggressively. Use full-fat cream or coconut milk for the creamiest results. Grate fresh Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon over toasted sourdough or garlic bread
- Serve atop creamy polenta or mashed potatoes
- Toss with cooked pasta for a Tuscan bean pasta
- Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
- Enjoy as a standalone vegetarian meal with a side salad
Tips
- Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and avoid a metallic taste
- Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for extra flavor—don’t skip them
- Adjust consistency with more broth if needed
- Add lemon juice at the end for a pop of acidity
- Make it ahead—it tastes even better the next day
Time Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fat: ~24g
- Fiber: ~9g
- Sodium: ~720mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on dairy/non-dairy ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
- Yes, but they must be fully cooked first. Canned beans are faster and easier for this dish.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I use other beans?
- Yes—cannellini or great northern beans work well too.
What can I use instead of cream?
- Full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or half-and-half can work in place of cream.
Can I serve this cold like a salad?
- This dish is best warm, but leftovers can be chilled and enjoyed like a Tuscan-style bean salad.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are proof that meatless meals can be indulgent, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. With rich, garlicky cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender butter beans, this dish feels comforting and elegant all at once.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, it’s bound to become a favorite. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re called “marry me” beans.