Description
This Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect as a comforting main or side dish, it brings a taste of Tuscany to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and sauté onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften evenly.
- Add garlic and cook: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook tomatoes and chili flakes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful base.
- Add butter beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet and stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.
- Simmer with vegetable broth: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes to blend and deepen the flavors.
- Add cream and Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Season to taste: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add additional vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh basil and parsley, as well as the zest and juice of one lemon for brightness.
- Serve warm: Serve the butter beans warm. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch (use about one-third the amount).
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or served over lightly cooked greens or pasta.
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
