Creamy Tuscan Butter Bean Masquerade Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans is a rich and flavorful dish featuring butter beans simmered in a luscious cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This comforting and hearty recipe is perfect as a main or side dish, offering a delicious balance of creamy textures and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version
Seasonings and Herbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the butter beans, ensuring they’re fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor. Add red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper as desired. Garnish with extra basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian/vegan friendly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a complete meal.
