Name: Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk; 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 17.6 ounces butter beans, drained and rinsed; A handful of baby spinach; Chili oil, for topping; Sourdough bread, for serving

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I can’t wait to share this Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together in no time, perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet impressive. The creamy sauce paired with tender butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious combo that gets me every time. Seriously, the flavors are so rich and cozy, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

What I love most about this Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, it works beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead or adapt to what you have in your pantry. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with depth and simplicity, this recipe is your new best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that signature creamy, herby, and slightly tangy Tuscan flavor. When shopping, look for good quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach to really boost the freshness and richness.

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a peppery, fruity kick that forms the sauce base.
Onion: A large, diced yellow or white onion adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
Tomato paste: This adds a concentrated tomato flavor and a bit of color.
Italian seasoning: Make sure it’s a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for the authentic taste.
Salt and pepper: Season carefully to balance the creaminess and tanginess.
Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Cream adds richness, but coconut milk is a great dairy-free swap with a subtle flavor twist.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped pieces provide a chewy texture and a burst of umami.
Butter beans: These creamy, buttery beans soak up the sauce perfectly.
Baby spinach: A handful stirred in at the end freshens things up and adds vibrant color.
Chili oil: Optional, but it adds a wonderful spicy finish that I love.
Sourdough bread: Perfect for dipping into that delicious sauce and making the meal feel complete.

Variations

Playing around with this recipe really makes it your own. I often tweak the flavors or ingredients depending on what’s in my fridge — and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Add protein: Sometimes I toss in grilled chicken or even crispy pancetta for extra heartiness.
Make it vegan: Swap the cream for coconut milk and skip cheese if you want a plant-based version that’s still luxuriously creamy.
Adjust the heat: If you’re a spice lover like me, adding more chili oil or red pepper flakes really wakes things up.
Greens switch-up: Tried it with kale or arugula when I didn’t have spinach—both add nice texture and different flavor profiles.

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook gently until translucent and soft—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter fast.

Step 2: Build the sauce base

Now, stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for 2 minutes while stirring to beautifully blend the flavors and deepen that lovely reddish tint. Salt and pepper at this stage to taste—it helps layer the seasoning early on.

Step 3: Add cream and sun-dried tomatoes

Pour in your heavy cream or coconut milk, and give everything a gentle stir. The mixture should start to thicken slightly as it simmers for about 5 minutes. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir again; the sauce will develop this gorgeous, rich depth that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Stir in butter beans and spinach

Drain and rinse your butter beans to keep the sauce from getting too starchy, then add them to the skillet. Stir gently so the beans get coated in that sauce. Right at the end, toss in a handful of baby spinach and let it wilt—this only takes a minute or two, and it adds such a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe

Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish with a drizzle of chili oil to add a subtle spicy warmth that elevates the dish. Plus, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil isn’t just pretty—it adds a bright herbal note that balances the creaminess. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Sourdough bread is my go-to side because it’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. If you want to add a veggie side, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe in rustic shallow bowls, topped with edible flowers or microgreens to make it feel extra festive. You can also spoon it over creamy polenta or roasted potatoes for a fun twist that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Just make sure to keep the sourdough bread separate to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe freezes reasonably well—just allow it to cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, the cream may separate a bit, but a quick stir while reheating brings it back to creamy perfection.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Microwave works too, but warming it slowly helps maintain the smooth texture of the sauce without curdling.

FAQs

Can I use canned butter beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! In fact, canned butter beans are what I use most often because they save time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove any excess salt or canning liquid before adding them to the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re avoiding dairy, full-fat coconut milk works beautifully and gives a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors. You could also use cashew cream or a blend of plant-based milk and a thickener like cashew butter to keep it creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

The Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe itself is gluten-free if you skip the sourdough bread or use a gluten-free alternative. Just double-check your ingredients, especially seasoning blends and chili oil, for any hidden gluten.
How long does it take to make this recipe?

This dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for an easy weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests without too much fuss.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! I’ve experimented with adding mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onion at the beginning to build flavor and make the dish even heartier.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Butter Beans with Creamy Tuscan Sauce Recipe is one of my go-to comfort dishes when I want something that feels luxurious without a ton of effort. It’s the kind of meal I make when friends come over unexpectedly or when I crave something rich and satisfying that doesn’t involve hours in the kitchen. You’ll find yourself making it again and again—a delicious, creamy, and heartwarming experience all in one bowl. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a cherished recipe in your collection, just like it is in mine.