March Recipe - Marry Me Tuscan Butter Beans

Creamy butter beans simmered in a rich Tuscan-style sauce make for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meal. Inspired by a recipe from Live Eat Learn, this dish delivers big flavor thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and herbs. While delicious served with crusty French bread, these beans are equally satisfying spooned over rice or pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.

Marry Me Tuscan Butter Beans

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

• ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth

• 2 (15-oz) cans butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

  
  

INSTRUCTIONS

1. MAKE THE FLAVOR BASE.

In a large sauté pan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.

2. ADD THE BEANS. 

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and butter beans. Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.

3. FINISH THE DISH. 

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach until just wilted. Add the cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, stirring until smooth and creamy.

4. SERVE.

 Serve warm with crusty French bread, spooned over rice, or tossed with pasta.