Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a quick and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful garlic, herb, and sun-dried tomato sauce. Enriched with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and brightened with fresh spinach and basil, this comforting meal is ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Smoked paprika (or regular paprika), to taste
- Ground black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth (adjust for consistency)
- 2 cans butter beans, drained
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it is melted and bubbly, creating the base for the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the melted butter; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Butter Beans: Add the drained butter beans to the saucepan and cook uncovered for 5 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Incorporate Greens: Fold in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts and softens, adding a fresh green element to the dish.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Gradually mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil to add a bright, fresh herbal note. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or use regular paprika if preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- This dish can be made vegan by following the dairy-free substitutions and using nutritional yeast.
