This dish features creamy butter beans cooked in a tasty Tuscan sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s a warm hug in a bowl!
You might just want to marry this dish! 😄 I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all the yummy sauce. It’s easy to make and feels fancy enough for guests.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is great for this dish, bringing a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can use canola or avocado oil instead, but they’ll taste a bit different.
Butter Beans: I love butter beans for their creamy texture, but you can substitute them with canned cannellini or navy beans if needed. Just remember to drain and rinse them!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its richness. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Be aware it may alter the final flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a sweet-tart punch. If you can’t find them, fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft can work too, but the taste will be less concentrated.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is perfect for this recipe. You could swap it for kale or Swiss chard; just cook them a bit longer since they’re sturdier.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy Without Curdling?
Making a creamy sauce can sometimes be tricky, but here are a few tips to keep it smooth:
- Keep the heat on medium or low. High heat can cause the cream to curdle.
- Always add the cheese gradually and stir constantly until it melts fully into the sauce.
- If you notice it thickening too fast, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or more cream.
- Stir in the spinach just until wilted to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
With these tips, you’ll have a velvety sauce that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your delicious take on Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans.
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Base:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and translucent. This will give your dish a great base flavor!
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and the optional tomato paste. Allow them to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully. The sun-dried tomatoes will add a lovely sweetness to the dish.
3. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream while stirring well to mix everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes — this will help it thicken slightly, making it rich and creamy.
4. Mixing in Cheesy Goodness:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely, transforming your sauce into a luscious, creamy delight!
5. Incorporating the Beans:
Gently fold in the drained butter beans, ensuring they are well coated in the creamy sauce. Let the beans heat through for about 3 minutes. This helps them absorb the wonderful flavors!
6. Adding Fresh Greens:
Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking just until it’s wilted — about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste for an extra flavor boost.
7. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your delicious dish with the fresh basil or parsley. This adds not only flavor but also a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this beautiful dish warm. It pairs wonderfully with toasted crusty bread or over rice or polenta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Get ready to fall in love with your dinner!
This rich and luscious Tuscan-inspired butter bean dish is perfect as a comforting vegetarian main or as a side. Enjoy its deep flavors and velvety smoothness!
Can I Use Canned Butter Beans Instead of Dried Ones?
Absolutely! Canned butter beans are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the sauce to remove any excess sodium and preservatives.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese. Enjoy the same delicious flavors with a vegan twist!