Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans

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Description

This recipe takes the viral “Marry Me Chicken” concept and gives it a wholesome vegetarian twist! Creamy, garlicky butter beans are simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with Italian herbs, Parmesan, and spinach for a comforting, protein-rich dish. It’s luxurious enough for a special date night yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up every bit of the sauce.

 Ingredients For Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (drained & rinsed)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + thyme + basil)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, chopped)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and golden.

  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes & spices: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes.

  3. Create the sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. Stir in beans & cheese: Add butter beans, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened.

  5. Add greens: Stir in spinach until wilted.

  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy with bread, pasta, or rice.

 Notes

  • Use cannellini beans if butter beans are unavailable.

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream + nutritional yeast for cream and Parmesan.

  • Sauce thickness can be adjusted with more broth or cream depending on preference.

  • Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, or grilled vegetables if you want added protein.

Tips

  • Warm your bread before serving—it soaks up the sauce better.

  • Add a splash of white wine before the broth for extra depth of flavor.

  • To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add Calabrian chili paste.

  • Can be prepped ahead; reheats well the next day as flavors deepen.

Servings

  • Serves 4 people as a main dish

  • Or 6 people as a side

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 320

  • Protein: 13g

  • Carbs: 32g

  • Fiber: 9g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Sodium: 560mg

(Values vary based on substitutions and portion size)

Benefits

  • Protein-rich & filling thanks to butter beans.

  • High in fiber → supports digestion and satiety.

  • Calcium & iron rich when using spinach and Parmesan.

  • Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes.

  • Versatile: easily adaptable to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.

 Q&A

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth or cream.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely—swap cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Crusty sourdough, garlic bread, pasta, rice, polenta, or even roasted veggies.

Q: Can I use dried beans?
A: Yes, but cook them fully beforehand (soak overnight, then simmer until tender).

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