Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, you’re going to love this Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something rich, hearty, and just downright satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s super versatile and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through why this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and how to make it your own!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and butter create a luscious sauce that envelops the butter beans beautifully.
  • Bold Tuscan Flavors: The Marry Me blend and sundried tomatoes bring that authentic, savory punch Tuscan dishes are famous for.
  • Wholesome and Nutritious: With kale and butter beans providing fiber and protein, it’s both delicious and nourishing.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful meal without the fuss – perfect for busy cooks.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean dish, Tuscan butter bean recipe, hearty butter bean dinner, savory Tuscan bean meal - A red skillet filled with a thick orange creamy sauce containing white beans, green herb pieces, red cherry tomatoes, and darker brown sun-dried tomato strips. A wooden spatula is partly submerged on the right side of the skillet, stirring the sauce. To the left, there is a white plate with toasted garlic bread slices and another white plate with fresh green leafy salad. A beige cloth is placed under the skillet handle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s ingredients blend to create that perfect creamy, tangy, and slightly savory balance you want from a Tuscan-inspired dish. Each element has a purpose, and knowing why they work together helps if you want to swap something out or bump up the flavor.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean dish, Tuscan butter bean recipe, hearty butter bean dinner, savory Tuscan bean meal - Flat lay of fresh butter beans in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of organic sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of rich organic tomato paste, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped organic kale, a small white bowl of organic heavy cream, a small white bowl of organic vegetable stock, a small white bowl of clear white cooking wine, half a fresh lemon cut to show the juicy interior, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Butter Beans: Their creamy texture makes them the perfect canvas for soaking up all those luscious flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering, letting the spices shine.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives that classic aromatic foundation.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: Intense umami and sweetness that deepen the sauce’s complexity.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that boosts richness and color.
  • Tuscan Marry Me Blend: A magic mix of herbs and spices giving it that signature Italian flair.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
  • Organic Heavy Cream: Provides the silky, indulgent texture you crave in creamy dishes.
  • Vegetable Stock: Adds subtle savory depth without heaviness.
  • White Cooking Wine: Brings acidity and brightness; can be swapped if needed.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash of freshness to balance the richness.
  • Chopped Kale: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness.
  • Freshly-Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for that umami punch and finishes with a nutty tang.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m cooking for.

  • Variation: I’ve tried swapping kale for spinach when I want a milder green, and it works beautifully, especially if you prefer a softer texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: For friends who can’t do dairy, I replace the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan – still delicious!
  • Protein Boost: Adding crispy pancetta or sautéed chicken pieces makes this a heartier main dish for meat lovers.
  • Spice it Up: A pinch of chili flakes stirred in with the garlic gives it a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic

I start by melting the butter over medium heat in a skillet. When it’s nice and bubbly, I toss in the minced garlic, letting it sauté for about a minute — just until it’s fragrant but not browned. This simple step builds the foundation of flavor, so patience here really pays off.

Step 2: Add the Marry Me Blend, Sundried Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste

Next, sprinkle in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt. Stir those in quickly to coat the garlic, then fold in the diced sundried tomatoes and that deep red tomato paste. Stir it all up until everything’s combined and aromatic – this is where the sauce starts taking shape.

Step 3: Pour in Cream, Stock, Lemon, and Wine

Turn down the heat to medium-low, then slowly add the heavy cream, vegetable stock, a squeeze of lemon juice, and white wine, stirring gently to blend. Let it bubble just a little for a couple of minutes, so the flavors marry. The smell at this point? Seriously comforting.

Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Add Kale & Butter Beans

Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens and turns silky – about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, toss in the chopped kale, stirring it until it softens just slightly. Finally, add the drained butter beans and let everything simmer gently for 5-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beans are tender and just starting to mash with a little pressure.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from the heat, and if you like, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan over the top. I love pairing these creamy beans with a crusty garlic bread or a simple bed of fluffy rice. It’s a meal that feels fancy but comes together in a flash.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Garlic Timing: Make sure not to overcook the garlic or it will turn bitter—just one minute is perfect.
  • Kale Texture: I prefer leaving the kale slightly crunchy for texture contrast, but you can cook it longer for softness.
  • Use Fresh Parm: Freshly-grated Parmesan melts best and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated.
  • Don’t Rush Simmering: Letting the sauce bubble gently helps thicken it without curdling the cream.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean dish, Tuscan butter bean recipe, hearty butter bean dinner, savory Tuscan bean meal - A black skillet filled with creamy orange sauce layered with white beans and pieces of darker browned meat, scattered with fresh green herbs and bright red cherry tomatoes on top; on the right inside the skillet, there are two slices of toasted bread, one whole and one broken, showing a soft inside with green herbs; the skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with small green sprigs scattered around, a brown textured cloth with a gold fork and knife to the side, and parts of other dishes visible at the edges, all well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves if I have them on hand. It adds that fresh pop of color and flavor that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end finishes it perfectly.

Side Dishes

My go-tos for sides are crusty garlic bread, roasted seasonal veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe’s richness pairs beautifully with these simple, comforting sides. I’ve even served it over a bed of risotto for a real indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe in individual shallow ramekins topped with a sprig of rosemary for a rustic, elegant look. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when reheating, I add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with good results. Just freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Note that kale texture softens after freezing but still tastes great.

Reheating

I recommend reheating over low-medium heat on the stove to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently, adding a little liquid if the sauce gets too thick. Microwaving works in a pinch but can cause uneven heating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dry butter beans instead of canned?

    Absolutely! If you use dry butter beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before starting the recipe. This will give you better texture and flavor, though it adds extra prep time.

  2. What can I substitute for the Tuscan Marry Me blend?

    If you don’t have the Marry Me blend, a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. It won’t be exact but still delivers that classic Tuscan profile.

  3. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

    Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    You sure can. Prepare the sauce and beans, then cool completely and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of stock to loosen the sauce as needed.

  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe?

    Slowly reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Adding a bit of vegetable stock or water helps maintain the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe has become such a cherished comfort dish in my kitchen because it strikes that perfect balance between easy preparation and restaurant-quality flavors. It’s one of those recipes you can rely on when you want to make something special without stress. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own – I promise it’ll become a favorite in your meal rotation too!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tuscan
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich sauce made with sundried tomatoes, kale, parmesan, and a special Tuscan seasoning blend. Perfect as a comforting main or a hearty side, this recipe brings authentic Italian-inspired flavors to your table in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Butter Beans

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained + rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup organic sundried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup organic vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
  • ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed
  • 1 cup chopped kale, organic
  • ½ cup freshly-grated parmesan + more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butter base: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt until evenly combined. Then add the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
  3. Create the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and white cooking wine while stirring continuously. Let the sauce gently bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Incorporate parmesan: Add the grated parmesan cheese, whisking thoroughly until it fully melts and the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add greens and beans: Stir in the chopped kale until combined, then add the drained butter beans. Simmer everything together for 5 to 6 minutes until the beans are tender and slightly mashable.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy Tuscan butter beans alongside your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or garlic bread. Garnish with extra grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute dry butter beans soaked overnight and cooked until tender instead of canned beans.
  • If you don’t have the Tuscan Marry Me blend, create your own using dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
  • If white cooking wine is unavailable, replace it with additional vegetable stock or a splash of white grape juice for mild sweetness.
  • The dish pairs excellently with crusty garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a fully satisfying meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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