If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal, Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is the answer! These creamy butter beans are bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with aromatic herbs, and finished with a touch of coconut cream for an irresistibly smooth texture. Whether served with crusty bread or over rice, this dish is a cozy delight for any day of the week. Inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken, this plant-based version brings all the creamy, indulgent goodness without any dairy or meat. The combination of garlic, fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that makes every bite a true comfort food experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share, these Tuscan Butter Beans will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (marinated in oil), chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 15 ounces canned butter beans (including liquid, do not strain!)
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Finely dice the shallot, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chili flakes. Cook for another minute.
- Pour in the canned butter beans, including the liquid (do not strain). Stir well.
- Add the coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with toasted bread, over rice, or as a side dish. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 407 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
What Makes This Dish So Special?
The magic of Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans lies in its creamy, herb-infused sauce and the way it enhances the mild, buttery texture of the beans. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, coconut cream, garlic, and fresh basil creates a luscious and aromatic base that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Here are the key elements that make this dish truly special:
1. The Creamy, Rich Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this dish. Unlike traditional cream-based sauces, this one is made with coconut cream, which provides a smooth, velvety texture without any dairy. The addition of nutritional yeast gives it a slight cheesy flavor, making it even more indulgent.
2. The Power of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense sweet and tangy flavor, which adds depth to the dish. Their concentrated taste pairs beautifully with the mild butter beans, infusing the sauce with a robust umami essence.
3. Fragrant Herbs and Spices
Tuscan cuisine is all about using fresh, aromatic ingredients. The combination of garlic, shallots, dried oregano, thyme, and chili flakes enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth and earthiness to the dish.
4. Hearty and Nutritious Butter Beans
Butter beans (also known as lima beans) are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish not only delicious but also nourishing. Their creamy texture allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, creating a mouthwatering balance of taste and texture.
Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While the classic version is already full of flavor, you can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
1. Add More Vegetables
For an extra boost of nutrition, try adding spinach, kale, or artichokes. Leafy greens will wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding a pop of color and extra vitamins. Artichokes bring a slight tanginess that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Swap the Beans
If you don’t have butter beans on hand, you can substitute cannellini beans, chickpeas, or navy beans. Each of these beans has a slightly different texture but will work well in absorbing the creamy sauce.
3. Make It Spicier
If you love heat, increase the chili flakes or add a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky spice. You can also top the dish with crushed red pepper before serving for an extra kick.
4. Adjust the Creaminess
Coconut cream makes this dish rich and indulgent, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute it with unsweetened almond milk, cashew cream, or a dairy-free creamer.
5. Add a Crunchy Topping
For some extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or crispy chickpeas on top before serving. This will give the dish a pleasant crunch and additional nutty flavor.
How to Serve Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
1. With Crusty Bread
One of the best ways to enjoy this dish is by serving it with toasted sourdough, ciabatta, or rosemary focaccia. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.
2. Over Rice or Quinoa
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, serve these butter beans over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or farro. The grains absorb the sauce, making it a filling and balanced meal.
3. With Pasta
For a unique twist, toss the creamy butter beans with pasta to create a rich and satisfying Tuscan-inspired pasta dish. Use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine to hold onto the sauce.
4. As a Side Dish
These butter beans also work wonderfully as a side dish for grilled vegetables, tofu, or a plant-based protein source.
5. As a Soup Base
If you love creamy soups, you can add extra vegetable broth to turn this dish into a Tuscan butter bean soup. Just let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency!
Health Benefits of Butter Beans
Beyond being delicious, Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are packed with nutritional benefits that make them a great addition to any diet:
- High in Protein: Butter beans provide a great source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Fiber: They help with digestion, gut health, and blood sugar regulation, keeping you full longer.
- Heart-Healthy: Butter beans are naturally low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy choice.
- Iron and Magnesium: These beans contain important minerals like iron and magnesium, which support energy production and bone health.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this dish is naturally free from gluten and dairy.
Conclusion:
Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a dish that brings together comfort, nutrition, and bold flavors in just one pot. Its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, rich garlic aroma, and tender butter beans create a meal that is as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing vegan dish, or a comforting bowl of goodness, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, with so many ways to customize and serve it, you can enjoy it over and over without ever getting bored.