Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food meets elegant simplicity, you’ve got to try my Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with those warm, Mediterranean vibes that make weeknight dinners feel a little extra special. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll be on your regular rotation because it’s just that fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy yet light texture: The heavy cream combined with vegetable stock makes the sauce luxurious without being heavy-handed.
  • Bold Tuscan flavors: The signature ‘Marry Me’ seasoning blend with sundried tomatoes and garlic gives it authentic depth and warmth.
  • Easy pantry-friendly ingredients: Mostly canned and staples, so you can pull this together without any last-minute grocery runs.
  • Versatile and satisfying: Great as a main or a side, and it pairs perfectly with everything from crusty bread to mashed potatoes.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans recipe, Tuscan butter beans, Mediterranean butter beans, easy Tuscan beans dish - 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

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe strikes a perfect balance between creaminess, tang, and savory goodness. Each ingredient plays a part in building layers of flavor while keeping the dish ridiculously easy to make — a combination I love when weeknight time is tight.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans recipe, Tuscan butter beans, Mediterranean butter beans, easy Tuscan beans dish - 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: They’re buttery in texture and mild in flavor, acting as the perfect canvas for the rich sauce.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Garlic: Essential for that aromatic foundation.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: Bring a sweet, umami pop that brightens the sauce beautifully.
  • Tomato Paste: Thickens and deepens the tomato flavor for richer taste.
  • Tuscan Marry Me Blend: A blend of herbs and spices that nails that authentic Tuscan flair.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: The ingredient that makes the sauce dreamy and luscious.
  • Vegetable Stock: Lightens up the cream while adding savory goodness.
  • White Cooking Wine: Adds acidity and complexity—but you can easily swap it for more stock if you prefer.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh zing.
  • Kale: Adds color, texture, and a little health boost.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami richness and also makes a tasty 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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is — it’s one of those dishes where you can tweak it to match your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Personalizing it doesn’t take away from that signature Tuscan flavor; instead, it makes it your own.

  • Variation: I’ve swapped kale with spinach when I wanted a softer green or added sun-dried tomato pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Both worked wonders and made the dish feel brand new.
  • Dietary Modifications: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the parmesan—or use a plant-based cheese.
  • Seasonal Changes: Try adding roasted bell peppers or artichokes to switch up textures and flavors depending on what’s fresh.

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

Step 1: Melt and Sauté Your Flavors

Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and give it a gentle sauté for about a minute—you’ll want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned or burnt, so keep an eye on it. Then add your Tuscan Marry Me seasoning blend and sea salt, stirring them in so those flavors bloom early on. Next, stir in the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. This step builds the base of your creamy sauce and starts infusing the pan with that beautiful Mediterranean aroma.

Step 2: Cream Meets Stock and Wine

Lower your heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir constantly to blend everything smoothly. You’ll see the sauce gently bubble—let it do so for about 1-2 minutes, giving it time to thicken a little. This slow build keeps the cream from separating and marries all those stunning flavors together.

Step 3: Parmesan Magic and Greens

Once your sauce has thickened slightly, sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan while whisking. This is when the sauce really comes alive, turning velvety and rich. After the cheese melts in, toss in the chopped kale and stir until it starts to soften — just a couple of minutes. Finally, gently fold in your drained butter beans and let everything simmer together for 5-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender and lightly mashable.

Step 4: Serve It Up and Enjoy

Once the beans are cooked through and the kale is tender, take the skillet off the heat. Serve your Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top—because, really, can you ever have too much? I love pairing this with crusty garlic bread, but it’s equally fantastic over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Bon appétit!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce that perfect nutty, sharp taste—pre-grated just doesn’t compare.
  • Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the beans stew gently in the sauce helps them soak up all those gorgeous flavors—good things take time in this recipe.
  • Balance Lemon Carefully: The lemon juice brightens the sauce, but too much can overpower the creaminess. Taste as you go!
  • Avoid Overcooking Garlic: Burnt garlic will add bitterness, so keep your heat medium and stir often.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans recipe, Tuscan butter beans, Mediterranean butter beans, easy Tuscan beans dish - 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’m all about simplicity here: a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top adds that perfect salty finish and melts slightly from the warmth of the dish. If you want a touch of color and freshness, a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil does wonders.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is pretty versatile — I often serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce or with creamy mashed potatoes when I’m craving something extra comforting. For lighter meals, a simple green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate it in shallow bowls with some kale leaves arranged on the side and a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil for a little heat kick. Another fun idea is to serve it in individual ramekins topped with parmesan breadcrumbs and briefly broiled until golden and crispy—fancy but simple!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so eating it the next day is often a treat. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep things fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool fully, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the texture remains nice since butter beans hold up well compared to other legumes.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of vegetable stock or water if the sauce feels too thick or starts to cling too much—this helps refresh the creaminess without diluting flavor. Avoid the microwave if you can, since gentle heat preserves texture best.

FAQs

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

    Absolutely! You’ll need to soak dried butter beans overnight and then simmer them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This adds a bit more time but gives you control over texture and flavor. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before mixing with the sauce.

  2. What can I substitute for the white cooking wine?

    If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply replace the white cooking wine with an equal amount of vegetable stock or a splash of lemon juice. Both options will keep the bright undertones in the sauce intact without altering the flavor profile too much.

  3. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

    It can be made vegan by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and using nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan alternatives in place of cheese. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious.

  4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before adding the beans and kale to finish cooking. This is great for saving time on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is one of those gems I turn to when I want something easy, cozy, and full of flavor without fuss. It brings a little Italian sunshine to your table, plus the satisfaction of a homemade sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too. Happy cooking, friend!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • 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

Creamy and flavorful Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans cooked in a rich sauce of garlic, sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan, finished with fresh kale and a hint of lemon. A comforting and easy vegetarian dish perfect as a main or side.

Ingredients

Butter Beans

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 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, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter Beans: Drain and rinse the butter beans thoroughly. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend seasoning and sea salt until well combined. Then add the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
  4. Combine Liquids and Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, and white cooking wine, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to gently bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan and Thicken Sauce: Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Add Kale and Butter Beans: Stir in the chopped kale until wilted and combined. Then add the drained butter beans, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce.
  7. Simmer Until Tender: Let the bean and kale mixture simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until the beans are tender and slightly mashable.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy Tuscan butter beans with your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, veggies, or garlic bread. Garnish with extra grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute dry butter beans soaked overnight if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Use roasted herb tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes for a milder flavor variation.
  • If you don’t have Tuscan Marry Me blend, use a homemade mix of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • White cooking wine can be omitted or replaced with extra vegetable stock for an alcohol-free version.
  • For a lower fat version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a lighter cream alternative.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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