Name: Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option); 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a vegan version); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

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Introduction

This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Rich and velvety, it features tender butter beans simmered in a garlic-infused, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.

A close-up view of a skillet filled with a creamy white bean dish, showing soft, plump beans coated in a thick, light orange sauce. The beans are mixed with small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley, giving pops of color on the surface. The sauce has a smooth, slightly glossy texture with visible flecks of black pepper. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh green herbs and seasoning ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 4: Gently fold in the butter beans, ensuring they’re fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
Step 6: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor. Garnish with extra basil and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Serve this dish over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with creamy, light orange beans sitting in thick sauce. The dish is topped with small pieces of dark red dried tomatoes and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and coarse black pepper, giving a fresh and spicy look. The beans are plump and shiny, evenly layered in the pan, and the sauce has a smooth, slightly chunky texture. The skillet sits on a surface with a white marbled texture with herbs and small seeds around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, cannellini or great northern beans can be good alternatives if you don’t have butter beans on hand. They offer a similar creamy texture.

How can I make this recipe nut-free and dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This keeps the creaminess and adds a cheesy flavor without dairy or nuts.