Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach: A Creamy, Comforting Delight

Few dishes bring comfort and flavor together as perfectly as Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach. This dish is a creamy, savory, and satisfying meal, inspired by the rustic flavors of Tuscany. It’s packed with protein-rich butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce that makes every bite warm and hearty.

Perfect for cozy dinners, easy weeknight meals, or meal prep, this dish is vegetarian-friendly, highly nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. Serve it on its own or pair it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Creamy & Comforting – The rich sauce makes every bite velvety and satisfying.
✔ Protein-Packed & Nutritious – Butter beans are full of fiber, plant protein, and minerals.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Serve it as a side, main course, or with pasta, bread, or rice.

What Are Tuscan Butter Beans?

Tuscan Butter Beans are a creamy, garlic-infused dish made with butter beans (also called lima beans), spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce. Inspired by traditional Italian flavors, this dish combines simple ingredients to create something deeply satisfying and packed with flavor.

The butter beans absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making this a hearty meal without needing meat—though it’s easy to customize with added protein like chicken, shrimp, or sausage.

Ingredients for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

This dish uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an incredibly rich and flavorful dish.

For the Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Butter Beans:

1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked butter beans)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

½ cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
¼ cup vegetable broth (or water, for a lighter sauce)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan or extra sun-dried tomatoes
Crusty bread for serving

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika.
Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Step 2: Cook the Butter Beans

Add butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring well.
Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Add chopped spinach to the skillet.
Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite!

Tips for the Best Tuscan Butter Beans

✔ Use High-Quality Beans – Canned butter beans work well, but cooked-from-scratch beans have the best texture.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Spinach – Add it at the very end to keep it bright and fresh.
✔ Adjust the Creaminess – Add more vegetable broth for a thinner sauce or more Parmesan for extra richness.
✔ Make It Vegan – Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – It adds a stronger, more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Protein-Packed Version

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for an extra protein boost.

2. Spicy Butter Beans

Stir in ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Dairy-Free & Vegan Version

Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.

4. Tomato Basil Version

Add ½ cup diced cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

5. Extra Lemony Beans

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Warm over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

What to Serve with Tuscan Butter Beans

These creamy, garlicky beans pair perfectly with:

Crusty sourdough bread 🍞
Steamed rice or pasta 🍝
Grilled chicken or shrimp 🍗
A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette 🥗
Roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms 🍄

For a full meal, serve alongside Italian sausage, a fresh green salad, and a glass of white wine! 🍷

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned beans?

Yes! Just drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium.

2. Can I use other beans?

Absolutely! Try cannellini, navy, or great northern beans.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.

4. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Use coconut milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative.

5. Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Try zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach are a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an easy meal prep option. With their velvety sauce, protein-packed beans, and vibrant spinach, they’re both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

So grab your butter beans, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, and whip up this incredible Tuscan-inspired dish today!

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach