🍲 How to Make Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely — you don’t want the garlic to burn.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute to let the flavors bloom.
Step 3: Stir in the Beans and Broth
Add the butter beans and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, then simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the beans to soak up all the herby, garlicky flavor.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the coconut milk (or your cream of choice). Stir well and let everything simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add the Greens
Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt down for a minute or two. The greens add a burst of color and nutrients, making this dish feel both comforting and vibrant.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Top with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, and serve warm.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Deep, savory flavor: Thanks to the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this dish is bursting with umami and warmth.
- Creamy and comforting: It’s cozy and rich without being too heavy — thanks to plant-based creaminess.
- Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes, using mostly pantry staples.
- Wholesome and plant-powered: Packed with fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats, it’s a heart-healthy option.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, crusty bread, or even roasted veggies.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
🥫 Butter Beans (a.k.a. Lima Beans):
- Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Rich in iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Support heart health, blood sugar balance, and digestion
🧄 Garlic & Herbs:
- Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Boosts immune function and adds incredible depth of flavor
🥬 Leafy Greens:
- Provide vitamin K, folate, and calcium
- Help balance the richness of the creamy sauce
🌿 Olive Oil:
- Full of healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart and brain health
🥖 Serving Suggestions
Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans are incredibly adaptable. Try pairing them with:
- Toasted sourdough or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Creamy polenta for a full Italian-inspired comfort meal
- Brown rice, farro, or quinoa for a wholesome grain bowl
- Pasta for a creamy, protein-packed alternative to Alfredo
- Grilled veggies or a side salad for a lighter pairing
You can also serve it as a standalone stew, especially on chilly evenings when you want something nourishing and cozy.
🔄 Recipe Variations & Additions
🌱 Add Mushrooms:
Sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms add a meaty texture and deepen the umami flavor.
🍋 Brighten It Up:
Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to cut through the creaminess.
🧀 Make It Cheesy:
Top with real Parmesan, Pecorino, or vegan cheese for extra indulgence.
🌶 Spice It Up:
Use chili oil or double the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans make fantastic leftovers and even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
👩🍳 Cooking Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the garlic — it’s the flavor backbone of the dish.
- Use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, not dried and tough).
- Taste as you go — balance the acidity, salt, and creaminess to your liking.
- Let the sauce simmer to meld and thicken — patience brings flavor.
💬 Final Thoughts
Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans are proof that comfort food doesn’t need meat or complicated steps to be deeply satisfying. With their creamy texture, aromatic sauce, and heartwarming flavor, they’re a dish that pleases both vegans and omnivores alike — and might just earn you a few marriage proposals along the way.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry crowd, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a delicious, plant-powered way to bring a little love to your kitchen.
So grab your skillet, your favorite playlist, and a loaf of crusty bread. Love is simmering — and it smells amazing.