Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: 30-Minute Magic

Name: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked butter beans); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option); 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan option); 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish; Optional: 2 cups spinach or ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are exactly what you need. This recipe is rich, satisfying, and full of those cozy Italian-inspired flavors we all crave—but without requiring hours in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why beans don’t get invited to the spotlight more often!

Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner where you want something indulgent but fuss-free, this dish combines creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and hearty butter beans into one pan of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, start to finish.
Versatile: Works as a main dish with crusty bread or as a side for chicken, fish, or roasted veggies.
Comforting Yet Elegant: Creamy sauce with pops of basil and Parmesan makes it feel restaurant-worthy.
Customizable: Keep it vegetarian, make it vegan, or add spinach, chicken, or red pepper flakes for your own twist.

I made this recipe one particularly hectic week when my to-do list seemed longer than a CVS receipt. It instantly turned my mood around—the kitchen smelled like Italy, and my stress melted away with every creamy, garlicky bite. Consider this recipe your weeknight hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this dreamy dish:

Butter Beans – Use canned butter beans for convenience, or cook dried ones if you prefer.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Tangy and full of umami, they’re the flavor backbone here.
Garlic – Freshly minced for maximum punch.
Onion – Adds depth and sweetness.
Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, velvety sauce. (Coconut cream for a vegan swap!)
Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Boosts the flavor base.
Parmesan Cheese – Brings richness. Nutritional yeast works great for a vegan option.
Fresh Basil – For a burst of color and freshness.
Olive Oil – To sauté the aromatics.
Optional: Spinach for extra greens or red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Cooking these beans is easier than you think, but let’s break it down step by step so you get that perfect balance of creaminess and flavor every single time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook until they’re soft, fragrant, and just starting to caramelize—about 2–3 minutes. This step lays the foundation for the entire dish, so don’t rush it. The kitchen will already smell amazing at this point!

2. Build the Flavor Base

Add your sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle for 1–2 minutes. This helps release their oils and intensify their tangy, savory goodness. You’ll notice the mixture becoming deeply fragrant, which is exactly what you want.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the broth (chicken or vegetable—your choice) and stir to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat. Now stir in the heavy cream, watching as it transforms into a silky, golden-hued sauce. This is when the magic really starts to happen. If you’re going vegan, coconut cream works beautifully here, giving a subtle sweetness that balances the tomatoes.

4. Add the Butter Beans

Now it’s time for the star of the show—the butter beans. Gently fold them into the sauce so they’re completely coated. Allow the beans to simmer for about 5–7 minutes. This not only warms them through but also lets them absorb all that creamy, garlicky flavor. By the end, each bean will be like a little flavor sponge.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Once everything’s mingling nicely, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the sauce, naturally thickening it into a luscious, velvety consistency. If your sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another couple of minutes until it reaches your desired texture.

6. Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, sprinkle in chopped fresh basil right before serving. That pop of green adds not just color but also a fresh, slightly sweet note that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s the kind of finishing touch that elevates this dish from “weeknight dinner” to “why yes, I did cook something special tonight.”

Tips for the Best Butter Beans

Serve with bread. A crusty loaf is practically required—you’ll want to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Make it vegan. Swap cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Still creamy, still delicious!
Add greens. Toss in a handful of spinach at the end for color, nutrients, and extra flavor.
Spice it up. Red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne add a little heat if that’s your vibe.

Skillet of Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans topped with fresh herbs and crispy sun-dried tomatoes. — A hearty skillet of Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, rich, creamy, and perfect with crusty bread.

FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Can I use another type of bean?

Yes! Cannellini beans or chickpeas work nicely, though butter beans give the creamiest texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Can I make this ahead?

Definitely. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What should I serve it with?

Crusty bread, rice, or even over pasta. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon.

Bring Cozy Comfort to Your Table

These Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish that feels like a warm embrace. Perfect for feeding your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself—because let’s be real, you deserve it.

So go ahead, grab a can of butter beans and let this recipe bring a little Tuscan sunshine straight to your kitchen.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

Looking to round out your meal or add more comforting dishes to your weekly rotation? Here are a few reader favorites that pair beautifully with the flavors of these creamy butter beans:

Warm up with a bowl of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup for a hearty, Italian-inspired combo.
Add some greens with this crisp and refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad, perfect for balance.
If you’re craving more cozy fall flavors, try these adorable Stuffed Mini Pumpkins—a festive and tasty side dish.
And for the ultimate comfort food duo, pair your beans with a rustic loaf of Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins that’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.