Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a quick dinner. The dish can be easily adapted for vegan diets by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, making it versatile and delicious for everyone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their rich flavor. Then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream to create a luscious sauce.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, making sure each bean is coated with the creamy sauce. Let the beans simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes so they can absorb the delicious flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, which thickens the sauce naturally. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more broth as needed.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil into the dish to add a fresh, vibrant flavor. Garnish with extra basil before serving to enhance the presentation and taste.
Notes
- This recipe can be made vegan by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- The sauce consistency can be modified by adding more or less broth depending on your preferred thickness.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Tuscan butter beans recipe, creamy butter beans, easy vegetarian dinner, quick Tuscan recipe, 30-minute meals, vegan butter beans
