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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans (30-Minutes)

If you love the creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed style of Tuscan dishes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe. Inspired by the internet-famous “Marry Me Chicken,” this version swaps meat for buttery, protein-rich beans, creating a vegetarian-friendly dish that’s hearty, elegant, and full of Tuscan charm. Why “marry me”? Because it’s the kind of dish so delicious that people joke it’s proposal-worthy! With tender butter beans simmered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, punctuated by sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Italian herbs, it’s rich yet balanced, indulgent yet wholesome. The best part? This dish comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even as a show-stopping vegetarian entrée at gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 2 cans 15 oz each Butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small Onion finely diced
  • 3 Garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • ¼ cup Fresh basil leaves roughly torn
Liquids
  • ½ cup Chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
Dairy & Cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Oils & Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp Red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • ¼ tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper

Equipment

  • Here’s all you’ll need to prepare this creamy Tuscan dish:
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater (for Parmesan)
  • Serving Bowls or Plates

Method
 

  1. Here’s how to make these creamy butter beans step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
  1. Dice the onion and mince garlic cloves.
  2. Chop sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Seasoning
  1. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook for 2–3 minutes to release flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze with Broth
  1. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
  1. Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Add the Butter Beans
  1. Stir in drained butter beans.
  2. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and flavors meld.
Step 7: Finish with Basil
  1. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves for brightness.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
  1. Spoon into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled butter beans in containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Vegan Option: Replace cream with coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan.
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a diced fresh chili.
Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken (if not vegetarian) or add chickpeas.
Green Twist: Add spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrition.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted pine nuts for texture.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What are butter beans?
Butter beans are large, creamy beans (also called lima beans) with a smooth texture and mild flavor.
2. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them fully beforehand since this recipe is quick-cooking.
3. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
5. What can I serve this with?
Crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
6. How spicy is it?
Mild, but you can increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
7. Can I substitute the beans?
Yes, cannellini beans or chickpeas work as alternatives.
8. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully—just store in the fridge.
9. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, simply reheat and stir in a splash of broth or cream.
10. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is comfort food at its finest—rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. The creamy Parmesan sauce, paired with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, makes the butter beans shine in a way that’s both rustic and elegant.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet indulgent, or for cozy weekends when you’re craving comfort. Serve it with bread, pasta, or rice, and you’ve got a meal that will impress anyone at the table—no proposals required!