Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans are a comforting, flavorful, and elegant vegetarian dish inspired by the classic flavors of Tuscany. Tender butter beans are simmered in a rich, garlicky, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs, creating a hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. The creamy texture combined with bright, savory flavors makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is simple yet elegant, combining creamy butter beans, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a savory sauce. It’s hearty, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for any occasion.

• Simple yet impressive: A restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
• Vegetarian and hearty: Packed with protein and fiber for a filling meal.
• Rich flavor profile: Cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs blend beautifully.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans are not only delicious but also nutritious. High in plant-based protein and fiber, and with healthy fats from olive oil, this dish is a hearty and guilt-free option for a balanced meal.

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g

Time Breakdown

Even on busy days, this recipe is manageable. With prep and cook times clearly outlined, you can have a rich, flavorful Tuscan-inspired meal ready in under 35 minutes. This makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish comes from a combination of simple, fresh ingredients. From butter beans and garlic to sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, each ingredient contributes to a creamy, flavorful, and aromatic dish that’s easy to prepare.

• 2 cups cooked butter beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Condensed Grocery Checklist

For a stress-free shopping experience, this checklist ensures you have everything on hand before you start cooking. All ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, making this recipe convenient and accessible.

• Butter beans (canned or cooked)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach
• Dried thyme and oregano
• Heavy cream or coconut cream
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this recipe is simple with clear step-by-step instructions. From sautéing aromatics to simmering beans in creamy sauce, each step is designed to ensure a perfectly textured, flavorful dish every time.

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spices: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and oregano, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
3. Add butter beans and spinach: Mix in butter beans and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
4. Add cream: Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and beans are coated.
5. Season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is versatile. You can swap cream with coconut or cashew alternatives, use kale instead of spinach, or add protein like chicken for a non-vegetarian twist. Small adjustments allow you to customize the dish to your taste or dietary needs.

• Cream alternatives: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Greens: Substitute kale or arugula for spinach.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken or sausage for a non-vegetarian option.
• Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or polenta and can be garnished with fresh herbs, olive oil, or grated cheese to create a complete, satisfying meal.

• Serve over pasta, risotto, or creamy polenta for a complete meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or grated cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Storing Tips

Proper storage ensures your creamy butter beans stay flavorful and fresh. Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months. Gentle reheating preserves the creamy texture and delicious flavors.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple dishes can be impacted by small mistakes. Overcooking spinach, adding cream too early, or under-seasoning can affect flavor and texture. Awareness of these common pitfalls ensures a perfect dish every time.

• Overcooking spinach: Add it near the end to retain its color and texture.
• Adding cream too early: Add cream last to prevent curdling and keep the sauce smooth.
• Skipping seasoning: Creamy dishes need proper salt, pepper, and herb balance to shine.

Chef’s Special Tips

Small tips elevate this dish from good to exceptional. Toast herbs for extra aroma, mash a few beans for added creaminess, and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and rich flavor.

• Toast the dried herbs briefly in the pan for enhanced aroma.
• For extra creaminess, mash a few butter beans before adding the cream.
• Serve immediately for best texture, though flavors deepen if allowed to sit for a short time.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans are a rich, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Tuscany into your kitchen. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this stew is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy meals, or even entertaining guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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