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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together pretty quickly—perfect for when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen. The richness of the creamy sauce combined with tender butter beans and vibrant kale makes this a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy, Yet Light: The heavy cream and vegetable stock balance richness with a lightness that keeps it satisfying but not heavy.
  • Flavorful Umami Boost: Sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and the Tuscan Marry Me blend deepen the savory notes without overpowering the beans.
  • Easy to Make: Minimal steps and accessible ingredients mean you can whip this up any night of the week.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: You can tweak the recipe easily to match whatever you have on hand or dietary preferences.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, creamy bean dish, hearty vegetarian dinner, quick Italian bean recipe - A red skillet filled with a thick orange creamy sauce containing white beans, green herb pieces, red cherry tomatoes, and darker brown sun-dried tomato strips. A wooden spatula is partly submerged on the right side of the skillet, stirring the sauce. To the left, there is a white plate with toasted garlic bread slices and another white plate with fresh green leafy salad. A beige cloth is placed under the skillet handle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, so you get a luxurious dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Let’s chat about why they’re so perfect together, and a few tips for picking the best quality items.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, creamy bean dish, hearty vegetarian dinner, quick Italian bean recipe - Flat lay of fresh butter beans in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of organic sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of rich organic tomato paste, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped organic kale, a small white bowl of organic heavy cream, a small white bowl of organic vegetable stock, a small white bowl of clear white cooking wine, half a fresh lemon cut to show the juicy interior, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Butter Beans: Their creamy texture is the perfect canvas here, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce while staying tender yet intact.
  • Unsalted Butter: It adds a silky smoothness and richness without the salt overpowering the delicate flavors.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic releases an aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: These pack a sweet and tart umami hit that intensifies the Tuscan vibe of the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce with a hint of sweetness.
  • Tuscan Marry Me Blend: A custom spice blend that brings herbs and warmth, giving this dish its signature character.
  • Sea Salt: Seasoning is key — I prefer sea salt for a clean, subtle saltiness.
  • Heavy Cream: The vessel of creaminess that creates the luscious sauce.
  • Vegetable Stock: Adds depth and balances the cream without heaviness.
  • White Cooking Wine: Adds acidity and complexity, but you can swap with stock if you prefer.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness cuts through the richness beautifully.
  • Chopped Kale: Adds freshness, a bit of bite, and nutrition—plus its color brightens the plate.
  • Freshly-Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy finish and an extra sprinkle on top for garnish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is—I always encourage you to make it your own! Feel free to amp up the garlic if you’re like me and adore that punch of flavor, or sneak in extra greens for a nutritional boost. Here’s how I’ve made a few tweaks myself that worked like a charm.

  • Variation: One time I swapped kale for fresh spinach just because that’s what I had on hand—the sauce was still perfect and the flavor a little more delicate.
  • Dietary Swap: For a lighter version, I experimented with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, which worked nicely if you want something less indulgent.
  • Adding Protein: If you’d like to add chicken or sausage, toss it in before you add the beans for a heartier meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Build Flavor

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a skillet. Once it’s all melted and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around and let it sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t brown or burn. Then add the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, stirring everything together to release those herbaceous aromas.

Step 2: Add Sundried Tomatoes & Tomato Paste

Next up, stir in the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. These little flavor bombs meld perfectly with the garlic and herbs, creating a savory base that’ll soon become your creamy sauce’s backbone. Take your time incorporating these so they soften up and meld with the butter and spices.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium-low—low and slow is your friend for sauce-making. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and white wine, stirring constantly. Let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two; this helps everything come together and thicken up slightly. Then whisk in the freshly grated parmesan, letting it melt fully to give your sauce that luscious, velvety texture. This step takes about 2-3 minutes, so be patient and watch as the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Add Greens and Beans

Stir in the chopped kale, letting it wilt just a bit in the warm sauce. Finally add your drained butter beans and gently fold them in. Let everything simmer together on low for 5-6 minutes until the beans are tender and you could easily mash a few if you wanted extra creaminess. This is the moment where all the flavors marry, so don’t rush it!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your beans are tender and the kale looks gorgeous and vibrant, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your creamy Tuscan butter beans with a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and get ready to dive into a meal that feels like a big, comforting hug.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

  • Use Quality Sundried Tomatoes: I always recommend organic sundried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Let the parmesan melt fully and the sauce simmer gently—it makes all the difference in creaminess.
  • Wilt the Greens Last Minute: Adding kale at the end keeps it vibrant and prevents overcooking it into mush.
  • Mind Your Garlic Heat: Saute garlic just until fragrant, not brown, to avoid bitterness.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, creamy bean dish, hearty vegetarian dinner, quick Italian bean recipe - A black skillet filled with creamy orange sauce layered with white beans and pieces of darker browned meat, scattered with fresh green herbs and bright red cherry tomatoes on top; on the right inside the skillet, there are two slices of toasted bread, one whole and one broken, showing a soft inside with green herbs; the skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with small green sprigs scattered around, a brown textured cloth with a gold fork and knife to the side, and parts of other dishes visible at the edges, all well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with extra freshly grated parmesan—it adds a nutty richness and a lovely presentation touch. A few torn fresh basil leaves also brighten it up visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little kick.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe pairs beautifully with garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. I also like serving it alongside simple mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which complement the textures perfectly. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies round out the meal with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this recipe in individual shallow bowls, drizzling the sauce over with a little extra parmesan and fresh herbs on top. It also works great spooned over grilled bread rounds as a savory appetizer. Colorful serving dishes or rustic wooden boards add to that Tuscan farmhouse vibe and make the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and I’ve found this dish keeps really well for up to 3 days. The beans soak up more sauce over time, making the flavors even more intense the next day—if you can resist eating it all right away!

Freezing

If you want to keep some for later, this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe freezes nicely. Just cool completely, portion out, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of stock or water if needed.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the beans and kale. Adding a little extra vegetable stock helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge, keeping that creamy texture you love.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

    Absolutely! Using dried butter beans will add a little prep time because they need soaking and longer cooking, but they offer great flavor and texture. Just be sure to soak them overnight and boil them until tender before using in this recipe.

  2. What can I substitute for the Tuscan Marry Me blend?

    If you don’t have the blend on hand, a mixture of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. The key is to use a combination of herbs that evoke that classic Tuscan flavor.

  3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your vegetable stock and seasoning ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.

  4. Can I make this vegan?

    Definitely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

  5. How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

    From start to finish, including prep and cooking, you’re looking at about 15 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love sharing this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe because it’s one that always impresses both guests and family, yet it couldn’t be easier to make. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, and every time I make it, I feel like I’m bringing a little slice of Tuscany into my kitchen. I hope this recipe brings you the same joy and cozy satisfaction it brings me—go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tuscan
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans recipe offers a rich and flavorful plant-based dish perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring tender butter beans simmered in a luscious sauce of sundried tomatoes, garlic, kale, and parmesan, it’s an easy skillet dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or bread.

Ingredients

Butter Beans

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup organic sundried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup organic vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
  • ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup chopped kale, organic
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend seasoning and sea salt until well combined.
  2. Add Flavor Bases: Add the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine them into the mixture.
  3. Incorporate Liquids: Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine while stirring continuously. Let the sauce bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Add the grated parmesan cheese and whisk until it fully melts and the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add Greens and Beans: Stir in the chopped kale until evenly mixed, then add the drained butter beans. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the beans to become tender and slightly mashable.
  6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy Tuscan butter beans alongside your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. Garnish with additional grated parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using.
  • The Tuscan Marry Me blend can be purchased pre-made or substituted with a homemade mix of Italian herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil.
  • White cooking wine can be omitted or replaced with extra vegetable stock if preferred.
  • Use gluten-free vegetable stock and ensure parmesan is gluten-free if serving those with gluten sensitivity.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the parmesan is suitable for vegetarians or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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