Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans – Vegetarian Recipe

This Tuscan “Marry Me” Butter Beans dish is a creamy, from-scratch skillet of tender beans simmered in a garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs and a touch of richness. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and totally irresistible for an easy weeknight dinner or a special at-home date night!

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I’ve been dreaming about sharing a “Marry Me” Butter Beans recipe for ages, so long that I can barely remember when I cooked the first test batch. What I do remember is not quite nailing that perfect balance of creaminess, brightness, and depth, so I kept it tucked away instead of posting it. Fast forward to now: I went back to the drawing board, and this version was born. I started with my favorite Tuscan-style white bean base and tweaked it until the sauce became exactly what I wanted.

I have a few cozy white bean recipes in my rotation, but this one has quickly become a standout for a couple of reasons. First, I love the texture, the beans turn lush and tender, wrapped in a silky, spoon-coating sauce that still feels light enough to eat any night of the week. Second, the ingredients are wonderfully simple: pantry butter beans, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a few everyday staples. It’s a straightforward, one-pan, from-scratch dish that feels elegant and comforting all at once, and I absolutely love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans are a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful vegetarian meals.

Comforting: Creamy butter beans in a savory tomato-herb sauce feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

Quick to make: Ready in under 40 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Nutrient-packed: Beans provide protein and fiber while tomatoes and herbs boost vitamins and flavor.

Versatile: Serve as a main dish or as a side with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Elegant yet easy: It looks gourmet but is incredibly simple to cook.

Crowd-pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike; the flavors are mild yet satisfying.

Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunchboxes or leftovers.

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Ingredients

For the Butter Beans:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
• Extra chopped basil
• Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. The aroma fills the kitchen, making it clear that something delicious is on the way.

2. Add sun-dried tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Their tangy, slightly sweet flavor begins to infuse the oil, creating a rich base for the beans.

3. Cook the butter beans

Add the drained butter beans to the pan along with vegetable broth, oregano, smoked paprika, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to coat the beans in the aromatic mixture.

4. Simmer the mixture

Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. This allows the beans to absorb the flavors and thicken slightly, resulting in a creamy, flavorful dish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer, silkier texture.

5. Finish with fresh herbs

Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a richer flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

6. Serve warm

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra basil or cheese. Pair with crusty bread or over pasta for a comforting and elegant vegetarian meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicy: Increase red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.
• Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Creamier version:
• Meal prep: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Protein boost: Add cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas to make the dish heartier.

Serving Suggestions

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans are perfect on their own, served with crusty bread, or paired with a simple pasta or risotto. Drizzle with extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For family dinners, I like serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a green salad to balance the richness of the beans. It also works beautifully as a filling for wraps or a hearty grain bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak and cook them beforehand, then follow the same recipe steps.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Use olive oil and skip the Parmesan or replace it with vegan cheese.

How long does it last?

Store in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Can I use other beans?

Sure! Cannellini, navy, or great northern beans work well.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans prove that vegetarian meals can be flavorful, elegant, and satisfying. Creamy beans, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs combine into a dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make.

I love how this recipe works for both casual weeknights and more formal dinners. A bowl of these beans feels cozy and indulgent, yet light enough to enjoy anytime. Every bite bursts with Italian-inspired flavors, making it one of my favorite go-to vegetarian dishes.