Discover the Comfort of Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
If you’re searching for a delicious, hearty dish, look no further than Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans. This delightful recipe combines creamy butter beans with rich flavors, making it an unforgettable addition to your meal rotation. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The creamy beans come together with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, using mostly pantry staples, which makes it ideal for busy days. Plus, it’s a vegan-friendly dish that can easily accommodate different dietary needs by swapping in alternative ingredients.
This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it serves well as both a veggie-packed side and a light main course. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks will draw everyone in, making it a meal to remember.
How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the butter beans to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dish seems too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil. They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it altogether.
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Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Make It Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Flavor Variations Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
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Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken into the mix.
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Make It Mediterranean: Include olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for a different taste dimension.
Serving Suggestions Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, allowing you to soak up the creamy sauce. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner. Alternatively, it works perfectly as a filling dish on its own, especially if garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
For leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|—————-|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
FAQ About Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans. However, you’ll need to soak and cook them beforehand, which adds additional prep time. If you opt for dried beans, about one cup of dried beans yields the equivalent of two cans when cooked.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans stores well in the fridge and can be reheated throughout the week. It’s a great choice for meal prep, giving you an easy and nutritious option ready to go.
What can I serve with Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans?
This dish can be served as a hearty side or a main. Pair it with grilled meats, fantastic alongside a fresh salad, or enjoy it with some crusty bread for a filling meal.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
If you enjoy spiciness, consider adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the garlic and onion. You can also experiment with various hot sauces mixed in right before serving.
Can I use other types of beans?
While this recipe specifically calls for butter beans, you can certainly substitute them with other beans like navy beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor profile will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans brings together the comfort of home-cooked meals and the burst of flavor that elevates any dining experience. It’s a fantastic recipe to add to your repertoire whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in. The combination of creamy beans, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon makes this dish a must-try, and its versatility means it can cater to countless palates. So gather your ingredients and embrace the deliciousness of this warming Tuscan delight!
Print
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty dish combining creamy butter beans with rich flavors, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the butter beans to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dish seems too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and herbs if desired.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Adjust spice levels and feel free to customize with other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
