Description
This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe delivers a luscious, flavorful dish ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, garlicky, sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, this recipe is perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or a vegan option with simple swaps.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan version)
Beans and Seasoning
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their rich flavors. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan version) to combine the sauce.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, making sure each bean is coated with the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the beans can absorb the delicious flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan) which will naturally thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth to reach desired consistency. Season with red pepper flakes if using, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adjusting according to taste.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the dish just before serving. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to make this dish vegan.
- Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free, vegan option.
- If you want a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Adjust salt according to your broth’s sodium content and personal preference.
- Serve this creamy butter beans dish over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
