Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Creamy, rich Tuscan butter beans in a luscious garlic herb sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. So irresistible, it'll make you want to propose!
The Secret to Creamy Perfection
Creating the perfect creamy sauce requires balancing the richness of heavy cream with the acidity of sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. The key is building layers of flavor by properly sautéing the aromatics and allowing each ingredient to develop its full potential before adding the next.
The butter beans should be tender but not mushy, holding their shape while absorbing the luxurious sauce. Using high-quality canned beans or properly cooked dried beans ensures the perfect texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
💡 Professional Tip
Reserve some pasta water if serving over pasta, or add a splash of bean cooking liquid to thin the sauce if needed. The starchy water helps bind the sauce beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas work well. Butter beans (lima beans) provide the creamiest texture, but any large white bean will be delicious.
Keep the heat at medium or lower once you add the cream, and avoid boiling vigorously. If it does separate, whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream to bring it back together.
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or pancetta work beautifully. Cook the protein first, then set aside and add back in with the beans.
Serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread. It also works as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a simple salad.
Yes, make it up to 2 days ahead without the fresh herbs. Reheat gently and stir in fresh basil just before serving for the best flavor.
Add spinach at the very end and cook just until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Recipe Troubleshooting Guide
Sauce Too Thin
Problem: Creamy sauce won't thicken properly
Solution: Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold broth and stir in. The Parmesan also helps thicken.
Beans Breaking Apart
Problem: Butter beans are falling apart in the sauce
Solution: Use gentle folding motions instead of stirring vigorously, and don't overcook once beans are added. Slightly undercooked beans hold up better.
Too Salty
Problem: Dish tastes too salty from sun-dried tomatoes
Prevention: Add a splash of cream or broth to dilute, or stir in a pinch of sugar and extra fresh herbs to balance the flavors.
Lacks Depth
Problem: Flavor seems flat or one-dimensional
Recovery: Add more balsamic vinegar for acidity, increase red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in extra sun-dried tomatoes for umami.
Cream Separated
Problem: Cream sauce has curdled or separated
Prevention: Remove from heat and whisk in cold cream or milk. Lower heat for remainder of cooking and avoid boiling.
Flavor Balance Issues
Too Sweet: Add more balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice
Too Salty: Stir in extra cream and fresh herbs, or serve over pasta to dilute
Bland: Increase garlic, Italian herbs, and finish with fresh basil and good Parmesan
Choosing Quality Italian Ingredients
The foundation of authentic Tuscan flavor starts with selecting premium ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide concentrated umami flavor and richness, while high-quality Parmesan cheese adds the essential nuttiness that makes this dish irresistible.
Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce, adding color and nutrients without overwhelming the delicate bean flavor. When possible, choose baby spinach for its tender texture and mild taste that complements rather than competes with the other ingredients.
Essential Ingredient Notes
- Butter Beans: Look for large, plump beans with intact skins. If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook until just tender to prevent them from breaking apart in the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes packed in olive oil rather than dried ones. The oil adds flavor and the tomatoes have better texture for this creamy preparation.
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest sauce. Light cream can be substituted but won't provide the same luxurious mouthfeel.
Mastering the Creamy Sauce Technique
The secret to the perfect creamy sauce lies in building flavors gradually and controlling the heat carefully. Starting with properly sautéed aromatics creates the flavor foundation, while the gradual addition of liquids prevents the cream from separating or curdling.
Timing is crucial when adding the spinach and beans. The spinach should be vibrant green and just wilted, while the beans need only enough time to heat through and absorb some of the sauce without becoming mushy or falling apart.
The Perfect Simmer
Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil once cream is added. This prevents separation and allows flavors to meld beautifully while achieving the ideal consistency.
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
📋 Ingredients
For the Base
- 250ml heavy creamCreates the luxurious base
- 250ml vegetable brothAdds depth and prevents richness overload
- 80g grated Parmesan cheeseEssential for authentic Italian flavor
- 15ml balsamic vinegarAdds acidity to balance richness
- 2 tsp Italian herbsClassic herb blend for authentic taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakesAdds gentle heat and complexity
For the Creamy Sauce
- 800g cooked butter beansThe creamy, protein-rich star
- 60ml olive oilFor sautéing and authentic flavor
- 1 large onion, dicedCreates the aromatic foundation
- 6 cloves garlic, mincedEssential for bold Italian flavor
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes, choppedProvides concentrated umami
- 150g fresh spinachAdds color and nutrition
- 30g fresh basil, choppedClassic Italian herb finish
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Base
Add sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian herbs. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in balsamic vinegar and let it reduce slightly.
Create Creamy Sauce
Pour in vegetable broth and heavy cream. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Beans and Greens
Gently fold in the butter beans and fresh spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and beans are heated through. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken when cold - simply add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty Italian bread. Also delicious as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with a simple arugula salad.
Variations
Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms. For protein, consider pancetta, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken. Each addition creates a new delicious variation.