Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 25 reviews

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe. Trust me, this dish has become one of my go-to weeknight favorites because it’s simple to whip up but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Creamy, garlicky, with that lovely hint of sunshine from sundried tomatoes—you really can’t go wrong here. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your version comes out just as amazing as mine!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple yet Flavorful: Combining garlic, sundried tomatoes, and the Marry Me blend brings authentic Tuscan vibes without complicated steps.
  • Creamy Texture: The heavy cream plus parmesan result in a luscious sauce that hugs every butter bean perfectly.
  • Versatile & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a speedy dinner that feels indulgent and hearty.
  • Balanced Nutrition: With protein-packed butter beans and nutrient-rich kale, it’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Tuscan Butter Bean, creamy bean dish, garlic sun-dried tomato beans, easy vegetarian dinner - A red skillet filled with a thick orange creamy sauce containing white beans, green herb pieces, red cherry tomatoes, and darker brown sun-dried tomato strips. A wooden spatula is partly submerged on the right side of the skillet, stirring the sauce. To the left, there is a white plate with toasted garlic bread slices and another white plate with fresh green leafy salad. A beige cloth is placed under the skillet handle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each part of this Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe has been chosen to build layers of flavor and texture while keeping things fresh and wholesome. When shopping, try to grab organic or high-quality ingredients—especially for the sundried tomatoes and kale, as they really shine here.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Tuscan Butter Bean, creamy bean dish, garlic sun-dried tomato beans, easy vegetarian dinner - Flat lay of fresh butter beans in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of organic sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of rich organic tomato paste, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped organic kale, a small white bowl of organic heavy cream, a small white bowl of organic vegetable stock, a small white bowl of clear white cooking wine, half a fresh lemon cut to show the juicy interior, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Butter Beans: These creamy beans soak up the sauce beautifully and offer a hearty base; canned beans save you time without sacrificing taste.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop flavor in the garlic and spices.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings that warm, aromatic punch essential for Tuscan dishes.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: Their tangy sweetness gives the sauce depth and a slightly chewy texture that’s simply delicious.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that boosts umami without watering down the creaminess.
  • Tuscan Marry Me Blend: This special seasoning mix is the secret to authentic flavor—full of herbs and spices that make the dish sing.
  • Sea Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
  • Organic Heavy Cream: The heart of the sauce, bringing luscious creaminess and richness.
  • Vegetable Stock: Adds savory depth and moistens the sauce without overpowering it.
  • White Cooking Wine: Adds acidity and brightness—feel free to swap with extra stock if preferred.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus wakes up the flavors and cuts through the richness.
  • Kale: Adds freshness, a slight bitterness, and a lovely pop of green—and you can’t miss the health benefits!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce to add umami and luxurious texture, plus a little extra for garnish is heavenly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite parts about the Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make it vegan, add a bit more spice, or swap in other veggies, this recipe welcomes your personal touch.

  • Make it Vegan: Simply swap butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, plus vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe—I’ve done this plenty of times and the dish still feels indulgent!
  • Add Heat: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing garlic for a subtle kick.
  • Swap Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work great if you can’t find butter beans; they absorb the sauce just as well.
  • Seasonal Greens: If kale isn’t your thing, spinach or Swiss chard make excellent alternatives—just add them towards the end to keep them vibrant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Build Your Base

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Once it’s melted and slightly bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Stir frequently and watch closely because garlic can burn fast—after about a minute, it’ll smell heavenly and look just lightly golden. Now add the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, stirring to awaken those herbs and spices. This sizzling mix is where the magic starts.

Step 2: Add Sundried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Next, stir in your sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. The tomatoes soften and release their tangy sweetness, while the paste thickens the base. Mix it all well so the tomato paste melts into the butter and garlic, blending all those flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Slowly Cream It Up

Turn your heat down to medium-low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir gently as you combine everything. You should see the sauce start to shimmer—a tiny bubble here and there. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes while thickening, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Whisk it thoroughly until the cheese melts completely, and the sauce is luxuriously thick and creamy—usually another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss in Kale and Butter Beans

Stir in the chopped kale until it’s well coated in the sauce. Then, add the drained butter beans and gently stir to combine. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans will heat through and soften, slightly mashing against the side of your pan for that cozy texture you’re after.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the beans are tender and the greens have wilted, remove your skillet from heat. Plate your creamy Tuscan butter beans and garnish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan if you want to impress. This dish shines best fresh but reheats beautifully too.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

  • Use High-Quality Sundried Tomatoes: I’ve noticed the best-tasting sauces come from oil-packed sundried tomatoes — they’re sweeter and more tender.
  • Don’t Rush the Parmesan: Add it slowly off the heat or on very low to avoid curdling and get that silky sauce texture.
  • Low & Slow Simmer: Keeping the heat low when simmering beans keeps them intact yet perfectly tender.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice Last: Add lemon juice towards the end to keep its brightness fresh; adding it too early dulls the flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean, Tuscan Butter Bean, creamy bean dish, garlic sun-dried tomato beans, easy vegetarian dinner - A black skillet filled with creamy orange sauce layered with white beans and pieces of darker browned meat, scattered with fresh green herbs and bright red cherry tomatoes on top; on the right inside the skillet, there are two slices of toasted bread, one whole and one broken, showing a soft inside with green herbs; the skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with small green sprigs scattered around, a brown textured cloth with a gold fork and knife to the side, and parts of other dishes visible at the edges, all well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically finish with a generous grating of fresh parmesan and a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil. A few torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also jazz up the plate beautifully. These little touches add freshness and texture to the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread (for dunking, yes please!), creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple bed of fluffy rice. Roasted seasonal veggies are a perfect partner too if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving the creamy Tuscan butter beans in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens and edible flowers on top—it looks gorgeous and makes a humble bean dish feel fancy. You can also fill small ramekins and broil lightly for a golden crust finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors deepen overnight, and the beans soak up even more of that creamy Tuscan magic. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works well too. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight. Sometimes the kale changes texture a little after freezing, so I like to add a fresh handful of chopped kale or spinach when reheating to revive that vibrant green pop.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if it thickens too much. This helps keep the sauce silky without drying out. Microwave reheating is fine too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through warming.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

    Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using. Just remember that the cooking time increases significantly, so plan accordingly or keep canned beans on hand for a quicker version.

  2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

    You can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative, or even full-fat coconut milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind these swaps will change the flavor slightly but still yield a creamy texture.

  3. Is the “Tuscan Marry Me Blend” essential?

    While it adds authentic flavor, you can substitute it with a mix of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes. Homemade blends work great if you don’t have the exact blend on hand.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! Swap out butter for olive oil, use plant-based cream alternatives, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute. It still turns out delicious and creamy.

  5. How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

    Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. However, I recommend eating it within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. I love how effortlessly it fits into busy weeknights but still impresses guests when I make it for friends. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite tweaks, and soon it might just become your new kitchen staple—just like it did for me!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tuscan
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans recipe features tender butter beans simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, kale, and a blend of Tuscan spices. Perfect as a comforting main or side dish, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Butter Beans

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup organic sundried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup organic vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
  • ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup chopped kale, organic
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, mixing well. Then add the sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine evenly.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir continuously until the mixture is combined and begins to bubble slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens, which should take 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Kale and Beans: Stir in the chopped kale until evenly mixed, then add the drained butter beans. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, letting the beans become tender and slightly mashable.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat once the beans are tender and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with additional grated parmesan if desired. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • If using dry butter beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using.
  • The Tuscan Marry Me blend can be purchased pre-made for authentic flavor or substituted with a homemade mix of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
  • White cooking wine can be omitted or replaced with additional vegetable stock for a non-alcoholic option.
  • For a lighter variation, reduce the heavy cream quantity or substitute with a dairy alternative.
  • To make it vegan, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and omit parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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