Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
You’ve got to try this Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe — it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels fancy but comes together so easily. I remember the first time I made it; the creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes just wowed everyone at the table. It’s perfect when you want something rich and cozy but without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe shines anytime you’re craving a vegetarian meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, the combination of butter beans and that luscious Tuscan sauce makes it a great go-to for weeknight dinners or when friends pop over unexpectedly. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create that signature rich, tangy flavor. I always recommend using quality olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for that extra depth.
- Olive oil: Use a good extra virgin for a fruity, smooth base.
- Large onion: Adds sweetness and texture; I like mine diced finely for even cooking.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here—don’t skip it!
- Tomato paste: Just a teaspoon brightens the sauce dramatically.
- Italian seasoning: Brings that classic herbal touch; you can mix your own blend or buy pre-mixed.
- Salt and pepper: Season thoughtfully to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Creamy goodness—go dairy-free with coconut milk if you want.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped, they create bursts of intense flavor.
- Butter beans: Drained and rinsed; these are so silky and filling.
- Baby spinach: Just a handful for freshness and color, added at the end.
- Chili oil: A drizzle at the finish adds a lovely subtle heat.
- Sourdough bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of sauce.
Variations
I love making this Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe my own depending on what’s in the kitchen or my mood. Personalizing it lets the flavors shine your way, and I encourage you to experiment a bit too!
- Add grilled chicken or sausage: For a non-vegetarian twist, toss in some protein. I once added spicy Italian sausage, and it took the dish to another level of comfort food.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream: Makes this recipe vegan and adds a subtle tropical nuance that I quite enjoy.
- Swap butter beans for cannellini: Both work great, but cannellini beans are creamier and absorb sauce slightly differently.
- Turn up the heat: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy—my friends sometimes beg me to kick up the heat.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Begin
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, toss in your diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. I usually stir occasionally to prevent browning, aiming for that sweet, gentle caramelization that builds the flavor base. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes—don’t let the garlic burn or it turns bitter.
Step 2: Build That Signature Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, letting the paste cook for about a minute. This step wakes up those flavors, so don’t rush it. Then, carefully pour in your heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring constantly so it blends evenly. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer slowly for 5 minutes. You’re looking for a silky, thickened sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add Butter Beans and Spinach
Drain and rinse your butter beans well, then fold them into the sauce gently so they don’t break apart. Throw in a handful of baby spinach at this point; it wilts down quickly, adding freshness and a lovely pop of color. Let everything heat through for another 3-4 minutes. If your sauce seems too thick, a splash of water or broth can loosen it up perfectly.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish with a drizzle of chili oil for that little zing of warmth—it really wakes up the flavors without overpowering. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or some torn fresh basil leaves also adds a nice touch. If you like a bit of tang, a squeeze of lemon just before serving is delightful and cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Serving it alongside toasted sourdough bread is a must—use the bread to scoop up every bit of that luscious sauce. I sometimes pair the dish with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon and olive oil to add brightness and crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like serving this in rustic shallow bowls, garnished with a swirl of extra chili oil and a few whole sun-dried tomatoes on top. It feels so inviting and gives everyone a chance to admire the gorgeous creamy sauce before digging in. Adding a basket of warm garlic bread alongside always earns smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I find that this recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is totally doable, though I prefer using coconut milk over dairy cream if I plan to freeze it—dairy can sometimes separate. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I’ve had good success retaining that creamy texture this way.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t scorch or separate. If it’s a little thick, add a splash of water or plant milk to loosen it back up. This careful reheating ensures that creamy Tuscan sauce remains just as dreamy as when you first made it.
FAQs
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Can I make the Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and make sure your sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed without any dairy additives. This switch keeps it creamy and delicious without compromising flavor.
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What can I substitute for butter beans in this recipe?
Cannellini beans or great northern beans make excellent substitutes. They have a similar creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the Tuscan sauce.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it perfect for prepping lunches or quick dinners ahead of time.
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How spicy is the chili oil topping?
The chili oil adds a subtle heat that you can control by adjusting how much you drizzle on top. It enhances the flavors without overwhelming the creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe really feels like a hug on a plate for me—rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple. I love how versatile it is, and once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be making it again and again. So grab your olive oil, a can of butter beans, and dive in! I promise, you’ll enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.
PrintMarry Me Butter Beans With Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. This easy-to-make recipe pairs wonderfully with toasted sourdough bread and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or cozy meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 17.6 ounces butter beans, drained and rinsed
- A handful of baby spinach
Toppings and Serving
- Chili oil for topping
- Sourdough bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add seasoning and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and butter beans: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and drained butter beans, stirring to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate spinach: Add a handful of baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy butter beans onto plates or bowls. Drizzle with chili oil to your taste and serve immediately with toasted sourdough bread on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice preference.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or sausage can be stirred in before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Butter beans, Tuscan sauce, creamy beans, sun-dried tomatoes, vegetarian dinner, creamy Italian sauce