Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe | 30-Minute Plant-Based Dinner with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Creamy Tuscan butter beans in a skillet with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs.
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans—rich, garlicky, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Introduction to Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are the ultimate comfort dish—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me” trend, this recipe is a love letter to cozy meals that feel indulgent yet wholesome. It combines tender butter beans with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a medley of Tuscan herbs, creating a sauce so irresistible, it might just win hearts at the dinner table.

Drawing inspiration from popular renditions like “Tasty with Maya,” “Better Home Base,” “Cooks Realm,” and “Live Eat Learn,” this version stays true to the creamy, herbaceous charm while adding its own twist. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this dish delivers a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for anyone craving a warm, satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight hero—ready in just 30 minutes and packed with bold, comforting flavors. Creamy butter beans soak up a luscious sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, making every bite a delight. It’s vegetarian and naturally gluten-free, so it fits a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy solo night in, or a quick family meal, this dish rises to the occasion. It’s simple enough for beginners and satisfying enough for seasoned cooks. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile: serve it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, spoon it over pasta for a heartier plate, or enjoy it as-is for a lighter option.

Tip: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving. It’s comfort food with a Tuscan twist—easy, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans:

Core Ingredients:

  • 2 cans butter beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

  • A handful of spinach or kale for extra greens
  • Lemon zest for brightness
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese for tangy richness

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory sauce that clings to every bean. The sun-dried tomatoes in oil add depth and a touch of sweetness, while garlic and herbs bring classic Tuscan flair. Parmesan adds a salty finish, but you can skip it or swap for a plant-based alternative.

Tip: Always use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they’re more flavorful and blend seamlessly into the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, creamy dish in under 30 minutes:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
  4. Stir in the butter beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Mix gently to coat the beans.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors.
  6. Add the cream (heavy or coconut) and Parmesan (if using). Stir well.
  7. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully. Pair it with crusty bread, pasta, or even rice for a complete meal.

Tip: Mashing a few beans adds body to the sauce and enhances creaminess without extra dairy.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs:

  • Vegan: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Dairy-free: Opt for plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
  • Protein boost: Stir in grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or chickpeas for added protein.
  • Mediterranean twist: Add sliced olives, a splash of lemon juice, and crumbled feta for a bright, briny variation.

You can also swap butter beans for cannellini or great northern beans if needed. For extra greens, toss in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Tip: Serve over creamy polenta or fluffy rice to make it even more satisfying. The sauce pairs beautifully with grains and adds richness to any base.

Whether you’re customizing for dietary needs or just switching things up, this dish is endlessly versatile—and always delicious.

Creamy Tuscan butter beans in a skillet with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs.

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe | 30-Minute Plant-Based Dinner with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

These Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a luxurious, plant-powered take on the viral “Marry Me” dish. Tender butter beans simmer in a garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with Italian herbs, spinach, and a splash of veggie broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice for a satisfying dinner that’s both elegant and easy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian-inspired, Tuscan, Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients:

  • 2 cans butter beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

  • Spinach or kale
  • Lemon zest
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
  • Add butter beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Pour in cream and add Parmesan (if using). Stir to combine.
  • Cook for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens. Mash a few beans for extra creaminess.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for deeper flavor.
  • Coconut cream makes a great vegan substitute.
  • Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add fresh herbs before serving.
  • A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy finish.
Keyword Butter beans, Comfort Food, creamy, Gluten-Free, marry me recipe, quick dinner, Tuscan, vegetarian