Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a comforting and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This recipe offers an easy, hearty meal perfect for a quick dinner that brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors. Then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to combine.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans into the creamy sauce. Let the beans simmer for 5–7 minutes so they absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. 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 over the dish and stir gently to incorporate. Garnish with extra basil before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary preferences.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased depending on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
