Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans are a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of fresh herbs. The creamy texture of the beans combined with the vibrant, savory sauce makes this a meal that’s truly satisfying and heartwarming.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The name always makes me smile because the flavors are so good, it feels like they’re almost begging you to say “yes” to seconds. One tip I have is to use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes—they really make a big difference in the depth of flavor!
This dish is perfect served over crusty bread, polenta, or alongside a simple salad for a quick and easy dinner. I’ve found that sharing it with friends or family leads to a lot of happy sighs and requests for the recipe, which always makes me feel pretty proud of this simple, tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter Beans: These large lima beans give the dish its creamy texture and mild taste. If you can’t find them, great alternatives are cannellini or navy beans.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy contrast. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for that umami flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a sweet, tangy depth to the sauce. If unavailable, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes can work well.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: These make the sauce luxuriously creamy and cheesy. You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version, and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for Parmesan.
How Can You Make the Sauce Rich and Creamy Without Curdling?
The creamy sauce is key to this recipe’s yum factor but can be tricky to get just right. Here’s how to keep it smooth and silky:
- Stir the heavy cream in slowly over low heat. Avoid boiling once the cream is added—just simmer gently.
- Grate the Parmesan fresh and add it gradually, stirring constantly to melt evenly.
- If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
- Be patient—cooking on moderate heat helps the flavors blend and prevents curdling.
I always keep my heat in check and stir often; this helps prevent any separation and gives a lovely, velvety sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking bacon and simmering the butter beans in one pan, saving you cleanup.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the beans and sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Can opener – needed to open the butter beans can easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure broth, cream, herbs, and spices accurately for the best flavor balance.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for Italian sausage for a spicier, meaty twist that works well with the creamy sauce.
- Add fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking to boost the nutrition and add a pop of green.
- Use smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to add warmth and a hint of spice if you like some heat.
- Stir in a handful of sun-dried tomato pesto for extra depth and tanginess instead of plain sun-dried tomatoes.
How to Make Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans (large lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- A handful of fresh arugula or basil leaves, for garnish
- Roasted cherry tomatoes (optional), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the bacon and aromatics, then another 10 minutes simmering the beans and sauce until creamy and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon bits and set them aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Beans and Tomatoes:
Stir in the drained butter beans and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Mix well to combine the flavors.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce the liquid slightly.
5. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and coats the beans well. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Add Bacon and Finish:
Return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet and mix through the beans. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens a bit.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, fresh arugula or basil leaves, and roasted cherry tomatoes if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or polenta to enjoy all the lovely sauce.
Can I Use Canned Beans Other Than Butter Beans?
Yes, you can substitute butter beans with cannellini, navy, or great northern beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before cooking.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Reheat slowly on low heat to keep the cream from separating, and stir occasionally until warmed through.
