Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: 1 Irresistible Skillet

There’s just something magical about a meal that feels like a warm hug—especially when it only takes one skillet and 30 minutes of your evening. That’s exactly what Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans bring to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing your partner, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this dish has your back.

And let’s talk about that name. “Marry Me” Butter Beans? Yes, it’s that good. Creamy, rich, and bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors, this recipe could honestly convince someone to put a ring on it. Or at least do the dishes after dinner.

Why You’ll Love Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

  • One-Skillet Simplicity – Less mess, more flavor.
  • Dinner in 30 Minutes – Quick, cozy, and weeknight-friendly.
  • Creamy & Comforting – Feels indulgent without the fuss.
  • Pantry-Friendly – Made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Flexible & Flavorful – Easy to make vegan or add protein.
  • Tuscan-Inspired Taste – Bold, savory, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a peek at the short-but-mighty list that brings this comforting masterpiece to life:

  • Butter Beans – Canned is totally fine (we love shortcuts), but dried and cooked beans work too.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These are the flavor MVPs. Tangy, chewy, and deeply savory.
  • Garlic (2–3 cloves) – Freshly minced for maximum impact.
  • Yellow Onion (1 small) – Adds mellow sweetness to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream (¾ cup) – Makes the sauce ultra-rich. Sub coconut cream for a vegan twist.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 cup) – Choose your favorite; either boosts the flavor beautifully.
  • Parmesan Cheese (½ cup grated) – Umami-rich and helps thicken the sauce. Use nutritional yeast if you’re going dairy-free.
  • Fresh Basil (a handful) – Brightens everything up right at the end.
  • Olive Oil (1–2 tbsp) – To sauté those aromatics.
  • Optional Add-ins: A handful of spinach, red pepper flakes, or a splash of white wine (chef’s choice!).

Find all ingredient quantities and nutrition information in the recipe card.

How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Ready to make a one-skillet dinner that feels like it came from a fancy café in Florence? Let’s go.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and diced onion. Let them cook until soft and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. If your kitchen doesn’t already smell amazing, just wait.

2. Bring in the Bold Flavors

Stir in those sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle for a minute or two. This helps them release all their flavor magic.

3. Pour in the Liquid Gold

Add your broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Turn the heat down slightly and stir in the heavy cream. The sauce should look rich and dreamy already.

4. Add the Butter Beans

Now for the stars of the show. Gently fold in your butter beans, making sure they’re snuggled into the sauce. Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes so the beans can soak up all that Tuscan goodness.

5. Make it Creamy & Cheesy

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the sauce, thickening it just enough while adding a layer of savory, nutty depth. Adjust with more broth if needed.

6. Finish Strong

Toss in some fresh basil right before serving. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it balances out the richness perfectly.

Serve hot—ideally with crusty bread to scoop up every last drop.

Cooking Tips for the Creamiest Tuscan Butter Beans

  • Let the sun-dried tomatoes shine. Make sure they’re high quality (oil-packed ones work best here).
  • Don’t skip the simmer. Letting the beans gently simmer helps them soak up flavor and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Go green. Toss in a handful of baby spinach toward the end of cooking for a little extra nutrition (and color!).
  • Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if your household can handle a little heat.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe came to life during one of those “what do I even make tonight?” evenings. I had butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sad-looking onion staring at me. What happened next? Magic.

The first time I served this to my family, my youngest said, “It tastes like pizza soup!” I’ll take that as a win. Now, it’s our go-to on chilly weeknights or when I just want to feel like I’ve got my life together without trying too hard.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in a skillet
Creamy and flavorful Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs

FAQs about Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Can I use navy beans or cannellini beans instead?

Yes! Cannellini beans are a great swap and hold up well in creamy sauces. Navy beans work too, though they’re a bit softer.

How do I make this vegan?

Simple—use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegetable broth, and swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu can turn this into a hearty, protein-packed meal.

What should I serve with it?

Crusty bread is a must. A side salad or roasted veggies would round things out beautifully too.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Bring a Little Tuscan Magic to Your Dinner Table

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans isn’t just a recipe—it’s a love letter to comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, whether you’re feeding picky kids or enjoying a solo night in with a glass of wine and your favorite playlist.

This dish has definitely earned a spot in my regular dinner rotation—and I hope it finds a place in yours too. ❤️

Try it tonight and see why everyone’s falling head over heels for butter beans.

Craving More Cozy Dishes?

If you loved the creamy comfort of Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans, you’ll definitely want to check out these delicious, flavor-packed recipes next:

These handpicked dishes pair beautifully with the comforting flavors you just fell in love with. Go ahead—add them to your meal plan and keep the magic going!

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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in a skillet

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, comforting, and packed with bold Italian flavors, Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are the ultimate one-skillet meal. This rich, hearty recipe features butter beans simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

  • ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

  • 12 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 handful fresh basil, chopped

  • Optional: red pepper flakes to taste

  • Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach

  • Optional: crispy bacon crumbles for topping


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.

  4. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.

  5. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream.

  6. Gently fold in the butter beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the sauce.

  7. Stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.

  8. Add spinach (if using) and cook until wilted.

  9. Top with fresh basil and crispy bacon if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread!

Notes

To make it vegan: use coconut cream, vegetable broth, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
This dish gets even better the next day—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serve over rice, pasta, or as a main with warm bread.
Want spice? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine for depth.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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