Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

With the delightful Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce), you can experience quick comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. This dish combines creamy butter beans with a rich, savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at gatherings, this recipe stands out with its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it easily by adding your favorite greens or plant-based proteins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap ingredients like spinach for kale or add crispy tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Healthy Comfort Food: With butter beans as the star ingredient, this dish is packed with nutrients and fiber.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests; everyone will love this hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create Marry Me Butter Beans, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sauté pan or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sauté pan or pot: Provides enough space to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps to stir ingredients gently, ensuring even distribution of flavors without damaging the pan’s surface.

Ingredients

For the Sauce Base

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp each salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Main Dish

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (120 to 236 mL)
• 2 15-oz cans butter beans (aka lima beans, drained, 425 g cans)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream (can sub half-and-half, 236 mL)
• ½ cup grated parmesan (50 g)
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

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

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base

Heat 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic along with salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Add Fillings

Stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and pour in ½ to 1 cup of vegetable broth. Next, add the drained butter beans. Continue cooking uncovered on medium heat for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

Remove from heat once cooked. Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach until it wilts down. Then mix in 1 cup of heavy cream along with ½ cup grated parmesan cheese and finish with 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside pasta for a complete meal.

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

Serving Marry Me Butter Beans is all about enhancing their creamy texture and rich flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most out of this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Perfect for dipping, crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sauce.

Over Rice

• Serve the butter beans atop a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal. Jasmine or basmati rice works exceptionally well.

With Pasta

• Toss the creamy butter beans with your favorite pasta shape. This combination creates a hearty and fulfilling dish.

In a Bowl

• For a cozy meal, serve the butter beans in a bowl, garnished with fresh basil for added flavor and color.

Topped with Crispy Tofu

• Add crispy tofu on top for extra protein and texture. This option is excellent for those looking to boost nutrition without meat.

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

To elevate your Marry Me Butter Beans, consider these simple tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes significantly improve the overall taste of your dish.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding other herbs like thyme or parsley for different flavor profiles that complement the dish well.

• Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutrition and color.

• Serve Warm: Ensure you serve this dish warm to enjoy its creamy texture at its best.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Butter Beans can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a flavorful accompaniment that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.

2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal veggies adds vibrant colors and nutrients to your plate, balancing the richness of the butter beans.

3. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides freshness that complements the creaminess of the main dish.

4. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta cheese offers a refreshing contrast and adds more protein to your meal.

5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is an easy side that brings crunch and bright color while being incredibly healthy.

6. Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous flavored with herbs is another excellent option that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce from the butter beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality butter or canned beans can affect the flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Cook it just until fragrant to keep the flavors bright.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Tasting your dish before serving is key. Always adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Skipping the cream: The creamy texture is integral to this dish. Don’t substitute it with water or skip it entirely; use half-and-half if needed.
• Rushing the cooking time: Allow enough time for flavors to meld during cooking. A few extra minutes can elevate the taste dramatically.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce).

What are Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?

Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is a delightful dish featuring creamy butter beans cooked in a flavorful sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.

Can I make Marry Me Butter Beans spicy?

Yes! You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or other spices to increase the heat level according to your taste.

How do I customize Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce)?

Feel free to add veggies like kale or zucchini, or mix in proteins such as chicken or crispy tofu for added texture and flavor.

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you will need to soak and cook them separately before adding them to the sauce. This may increase your prep time significantly.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) is a deliciously creamy dish that combines comfort and flavor in just 15 minutes. With endless customization options, you can make it your own by adding different vegetables or proteins. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today!