Description
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Butter Beans bring Mediterranean charm straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Tender butter beans swimming in a rich, herby sauce create a delightful meal that feels like a warm culinary hug from Southern Italy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) butter beans
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Pour 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet, heating it to medium temperature (350°F) for 2 minutes until shimmering.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring rapidly for 30-45 seconds until your kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.
- Drain and rinse 2 cans (15 oz each) of butter beans, then gently slide them into the skillet with the garlic.
- Immediately add 2 cups fresh spinach, letting the leaves soften and reduce for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully pour 1 cup heavy cream into the skillet, creating a creamy base that coats your beans and spinach.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, ensuring an even distribution across the skillet’s surface.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, stirring to incorporate all flavors thoroughly.
- Introduce ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer at low heat (250°F) for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, creating a rich and comforting dish perfect for any meal.
Notes
- Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard if those greens are more accessible in your kitchen.
- Drain and rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture before cooking.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Boost protein by adding cooked chicken or crumbled bacon on top, creating a more substantial meal that works perfectly for dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg