Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans: A Creamy, Savory Italian-Inspired Delight

If you’re looking for a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dish, these Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a must-try! Inspired by the popular “Marry Me” chicken recipe, this dish swaps out the meat for tender, buttery beans cooked in a creamy, garlicky, and sun-dried tomato-infused sauce.

Perfect as a main dish, side, or even a hearty dip, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread, pasta, or roasted veggies, this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

✔ Rich & Creamy – A buttery, velvety sauce coats each bean beautifully.
✔ Healthy & Protein-Packed – A plant-based meal that’s filling and nutritious.
✔ Easy & One-Pot – Everything comes together in just 30 minutes!
✔ Tuscan-Inspired Flavors – Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs make it irresistible.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Serve it as a main, side dish, or dip.

What Are Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans?

This dish is a vegan-friendly twist on the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. Instead of chicken, we use butter beans—also known as lima beans—which are creamy, mild, and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.

The result? A lusciously rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for dipping, spooning over grains, or simply enjoying on its own.

Ingredients for Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

This recipe uses simple pantry staples but delivers big, bold flavors.

For the Butter Bean Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced)
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cans (30 oz total) butter beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for richness)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative)

For Garnishing & Serving:

¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for depth)
Freshly grated Parmesan
Crusty bread, pasta, or rice for serving

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to coat in the aromatic mixture.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring well.
Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 3: Add the Butter Beans

Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans.
Reduce heat to low and let them simmer for 10 minutes, absorbing all the flavors.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated.
Stir in grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative) for extra richness.
Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley.
Top with lemon zest and balsamic glaze for extra depth.
Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or grains.

Tips for the Best Tuscan Butter Beans

✔ Use High-Quality Butter Beans – Look for large, creamy butter beans for the best texture.
✔ Simmer for Extra Flavor – The longer the beans soak up the sauce, the richer they become.
✔ Balance the Creaminess – Adjust with extra broth or cream to get the consistency you prefer.
✔ Add Heat If You Like It Spicy – Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Make It Vegan – Use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan for a fully plant-based dish.

Delicious Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

1. Spicy Arrabbiata Butter Beans

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Swap diced tomatoes for crushed fire-roasted tomatoes.

2. Cheesy Baked Butter Beans

Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella or Parmesan, and broil until bubbly.

3. Mushroom & Spinach Butter Beans

Stir in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for extra depth.

4. Mediterranean-Style Butter Beans

Add olives, artichokes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

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

Freezing:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

What to Serve with Tuscan Butter Beans

These rich, creamy butter beans pair beautifully with:

Garlic bread or focaccia 🥖
Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
Steamed rice or quinoa 🍚
Grilled veggies or roasted Brussels sprouts 🥦
A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade 🍷

For a full Italian-inspired feast, serve alongside caprese salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak 1 ½ cups of dried butter beans overnight, then cook them in broth until tender before adding to the sauce.

2. What can I use instead of butter beans?

You can substitute cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more after resting, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

4. Can I make this oil-free?

Yes! Simply sauté the onions and garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil.

Final Thoughts

These Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are creamy, comforting, and packed with rich Italian flavors. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, they’re guaranteed to be a new favorite.

So grab your ingredients, simmer up this velvety, garlicky dish, and enjoy a taste of Tuscan comfort today!

Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans