If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside, then you’ve landed in the right place. This Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe is a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that brings together tender butter beans, rich garlic-infused cream sauce, sun-kissed sundried tomatoes, and vibrant kale—all elevated with a blend of herbs and freshly grated parmesan. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing loved ones with minimal fuss. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it earned its whimsical name—it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal or two!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe comes from its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the velvety butter that starts the sauce to the hearty kale that adds a pop of color and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started:
- Butter beans (2 cans, 15 oz. each): These creamy beans provide the perfect tender base for this dish.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for building the rich, silky sauce and sautéing garlic.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the flavor profile.
- Organic sundried tomatoes (1/2 cup): Brings a sweet, tangy note that beautifully balances the creaminess.
- Organic tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated punch.
- Tuscan Marry Me blend (2 tablespoons): This special seasoning mix is the magic that ties all flavors with herbaceous warmth.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Organic heavy cream (1 cup): Contributes luscious texture and a rich mouthfeel.
- Organic vegetable stock (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce to perfection.
- White cooking wine (3 tablespoons): Optional but recommended for a subtle acidity and complexity.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/2 lemon): Brightens the dish with a hint of citrus zing.
- Chopped kale (1 cup, organic): Offers a fresh, green contrast and a nutritious boost.
- Freshly grated parmesan (1/2 cup, plus extra for garnish): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Base
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your minced garlic to sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant—this releases that inviting aroma that sets the stage for everything to come. Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, allowing the herbs to awaken in the warm butter. Next, add the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring everything together into a rich, aromatic base.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir steadily to combine all ingredients smoothly. Let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two, letting the flavors meld. Then, whisk in the grated parmesan cheese bit by bit until it fully melts, thickening the sauce. The luscious creaminess at this stage is what makes this Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 3: Bring in the Greens and Beans
Stir in the chopped kale until it starts to wilt slightly, giving the dish a pop of vibrant color and a subtle earthiness. Follow it with the drained and rinsed butter beans, folding them in so they soak up all that gloriously creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 to 6 minutes, giving the beans time to tenderize and marry perfectly with the flavors around them.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the beans are delightfully tender, remove the skillet from heat. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle more freshly grated parmesan on top before serving. This last detail really elevates the dish’s texture and taste, ensuring every bite is an absolute joy to eat.
How to Serve Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a touch of freshly cracked black pepper adds a final flourish to your dish. For a color contrast and a burst of freshness, add some finely chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. These small touches bring a lovely visual and flavor balance that complements the creamy beans beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for sopping up every creamy bit, or you can serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also make excellent companions that keep the meal light and well-rounded. These sides create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, try serving these buttery beans in hollowed-out crusty bread bowls or atop toasted crostini for an impressive appetizer. Alternatively, layer the dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a handful of toasted pine nuts for a delightful textural contrast. It’s a dish as versatile as it is scrumptious, perfect for casual dinners or special occasions alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more over time, making it an easy and delightful meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Simply transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream while warming helps restore that fresh, velvety texture. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using. Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure the beans are soft without falling apart.
What if I don’t have white cooking wine?
No worries at all. You can skip the wine or substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable stock. The wine adds brightness but isn’t essential to the deliciousness of the dish.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the flavor profiles will shift slightly, adding subtle nuances to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps like dairy-free butter, plant-based cream, and omitting parmesan or using a vegan cheese alternative, this Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe can be adapted to suit vegan diets wonderfully.
How spicy is the Tuscan Marry Me blend?
The blend is herb-forward with a mild warmth—think fragrant Italian herbs with hints of garlic and a touch of pepper. It’s designed to enhance, not overpower, so it’s perfect for a wide range of palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, and this Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe delivers just that. It’s quick enough for any night of the week, yet impressively delicious—an ideal way to make your meals memorable without hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it might just become your new favorite for sharing with family and friends.
PrintTuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans Recipe
This Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans recipe features creamy butter beans simmered in a rich, garlicky Tuscan-inspired sauce with sundried tomatoes, kale, and parmesan. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, it’s ideal served alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Beans and Vegetables
- 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup organic sundried tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped kale, organic
- 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 1/2 cup organic vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons white cooking wine (optional, can be omitted or replaced with more vegetable stock)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Butter: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend seasoning and sea salt, combining well.
- Add Sundried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Mix in the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir continuously and allow the mixture to gently bubble for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Kale and Beans: Stir in the chopped kale until evenly combined, then add the drained butter beans. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender and slightly mashable.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the skillet from heat once the beans have softened and the flavors melded.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Tuscan butter beans warm alongside your choice of sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread. Garnish with extra grated parmesan, if desired.
- Enjoy: Bon Appetit!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
- If white cooking wine is omitted, replace with additional vegetable stock for flavor and moisture.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best brightness; bottled lemon juice may alter the flavor.
- Season to taste — adjust salt and Tuscan blend seasoning based on preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.