Name: Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp oregano; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped; ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth*; 2 15-oz cans butter beans, drained; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

Jump to Recipe·5 from 27 reviews

If you’re searching for a showstopper of a vegetarian recipe that’s as luxurious and comforting as anything you’d order at your favorite trattoria, you have to try Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce). This quick, flavor-packed dish is all about creamy beans bathed in a dreamy parmesan-garlic sauce, bold pops of sun-dried tomatoes, and a flurry of fresh basil. In only 15 minutes, you’ll have an elegant, deeply savory meal that absolutely lives up to its magical name. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or ladle it over pasta, Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) will have everyone around your table swooning—from picky eaters to diehard foodies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) lies in just a few unfussy ingredients that each bring their own charm. Every element adds depth, color, or silkiness, resulting in a dish that tastes like a little Italian vacation in every bite!

Unsalted butter: Delivers a rich, velvety base for the sauce while perfectly toasting the garlic and spices.
Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic warmth that infuses every mouthful with irresistible flavor.
Salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper: The key blend for savory depth, a kiss of heat, and that signature Tuscan earthiness.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Introduce tangy-sweet pops of flavor that complement the creamy sauce and beans.
Vegetable broth: Lends moisture and umami; use more for a looser sauce, less for an extra-rich finish.
Butter beans (aka lima beans): The true star! These are creamy, hearty, and soak up all those dreamy Tuscan flavors.
Fresh spinach: Adds a gentle green freshness and a pretty dose of color—plus extra nutrition.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Key to creating that velvety, restaurant-style sauce everyone loves.
Grated parmesan: Brings nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
Fresh basil: The final touch—herbaceous and fragrant, it makes every bowl taste vibrant and special.

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by melting unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add your freshly minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Let everything warm and mingle for about two minutes. The garlic will become fragrant and the spices will bloom, filling your kitchen with those welcoming Tuscan aromas. This is your foundation—the key to a deeply savory, balanced sauce!

Step 2: Add the Fillings

Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth (adjusting the amount depending on your preferred sauce thickness). Tip in your drained butter beans and gently mix it all together. Allow the mixture to simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. During this time, the beans will soak up the seasoned broth and the sun-dried tomatoes will soften and release their tangy-sweet magic.

Step 3: Finish with Creaminess

Remove your pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh spinach, letting it wilt from the residual warmth. Now, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle over the parmesan. Mix everything together until the sauce is creamy, rich, and beautifully combined. Finish with the bright, herby punch of fresh basil. Give yourself a moment to swoon over the color and aroma, then get ready to serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) while it’s piping hot and dreamy!

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a finishing shower of extra parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves. If you’re a fan of a little added zip, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest takes the flavors to a whole new level. For a little color and crunch, a few chili flakes or toasted pine nuts are absolute magic.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) pairs beautifully with so many sides. Crusty bread is a classic for scooping up every drop, but it’s also fantastic spooned over rice, creamy polenta, or your favorite pasta. If you’re craving some crunch, add a simple arugula salad or roast up seasonal veggies for a colorful, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) in shallow bowls topped with basil ribbons for a restaurant-style look, or heap it into a hollowed-out sourdough boule for a stunning, edible centerpiece. Stir in grilled chicken or roasted mushrooms for a heartier main, or portion into small ramekins and top with cheesy breadcrumbs for an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, keep them fresh by transferring Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and might just taste even better after the flavors meld overnight!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The beans and sauce hold up beautifully, though the cream may separate slightly—just give it a good stir.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave it in intervals, stirring between each round to ensure everything heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just cook your dried beans fully in advance and use about three cups in place of the canned beans. They’ll provide the same creamy texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.

Is Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any sides you serve, like bread or pasta, are gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this dairy free or vegan?

You can substitute plant-based butter, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream, and use vegan parmesan. The result will still be rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying!

What’s the best way to adjust the sauce consistency?

If you like a thicker sauce, use only ½ cup of vegetable broth; for something looser (especially if serving over pasta or rice), use the full cup. You can always thin with a splash more broth or cream at the end.

Can I double this recipe for a dinner party?

Definitely! Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is a fantastic make-ahead dish for crowds. Simply double all ingredients and use a large Dutch oven or deep sauté pan. Your guests will adore it!

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a recipe that could win hearts and secure repeat dinner invitations, Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is it. Each bite is decadent, nourishing, and packed with flavor, yet the process couldn’t be easier or more joyful. Don’t hesitate—try this dish soon and see for yourself why it’s impossible for anyone to resist!