Craving a cozy, creamy dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor? You’ll love these Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans. This rich and rustic recipe blends buttery beans, aromatic herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes into a luscious one-skillet meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Inspired by the soulful simplicity of Tuscan cooking, it’s perfect for both meatless Mondays and hearty weeknight dinners. You’ll use fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of cream to elevate everyday ingredients into something special—and yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are lots of reasons Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans will earn a spot in your rotation:
- Creamy and indulgent: The heavy cream and mashed beans create a silky texture.
- Easy one-pan magic: Everything comes together in a single skillet.
- Full of fresh flavor: Garlic, rosemary, and thyme bring that cozy Tuscan vibe.
- Flexible & affordable: Simple pantry ingredients meet fresh herbs for a balanced, budget-friendly dish.
Fun Facts About Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans
Here are some fun tidbits that make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans even more enjoyable:
- Butter beans (aka lima or cannellini beans) are high in fiber and protein—perfect for meatless meals.
- Tuscan cooking is all about minimal ingredients, done right. Think olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Sun-dried tomatoes are a staple in Italian pantries, lending depth and tangy sweetness to creamy sauces.
- Mashing a portion of the beans naturally thickens the sauce—no flour needed!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups canned butter beans (cannellini or lima), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans
- Heat the fats: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Infuse with herbs: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute to release the oils.
- Add beans and mash: Pour in the butter beans and gently mash about half using the back of a spoon, creating a rich base while keeping some beans intact.
- Pour in the cream: Add the heavy cream and stir thoroughly. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Melt in the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
- Add spinach: Toss in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season and finish: Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil before serving, if desired.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Tips and Twists
Master your Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans with these tried-and-true tips and creative variations:
Cooking Tips:
- Use high-quality olive oil and real butter for best flavor.
- Don’t rush the shallots—cooking them slowly builds sweetness.
- Mashing some beans adds body without extra cream or thickeners.
- Add cream slowly and stir constantly to avoid curdling.
- Garnish with extra herbs or chili flakes for a flavor boost.
Creative Variations:
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a heartier texture.
- Stir in cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory, meaty version.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula to mix up the greens.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful with these simple tips:
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead: Cook the base (without spinach) a day in advance. Add fresh spinach when reheating for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans are as versatile as they are delicious. Here’s how to round out your meal:
- On toast: Serve over grilled sourdough for a rustic lunch.
- With grilled meats: Pair with chicken or steak for a rich side dish.
- Over pasta: Toss with cooked penne for a creamy vegetarian main.
- Alongside a salad: Add a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- With wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, just cook them ahead until tender.
What if I’m dairy-free?
Use olive oil or vegan butter, coconut cream, and omit the cheese or swap with a vegan version.
Are butter beans the same as lima beans?
Yes, they’re two names for the same type of bean!
Can I freeze this dish?
It freezes well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Can I skip the Parmesan?
Yes, but it adds savory depth. Try nutritional yeast as a substitute.
Enjoy Your Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans
Once you try Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like something from a cozy Italian bistro—but takes just 30 minutes and a handful of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a table full of guests, this creamy skillet delivers every time. So go ahead—grab a spoon, a hunk of bread, and savor the simplicity.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Sand freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Extra olive oil for serving optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shallots and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and thyme; cook 1 minute.
- Add the butter beans and mash half of them gently to create a creamy base.
- Pour in the heavy cream; stir and let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
- Toss in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Keep your culinary creativity flowing with these delicious ideas from our kitchen:
- Our Grilled Chicken Wraps make a great protein-packed pairing.
- Add a sweet finish with Best Carrot Cake Cookies—perfect after a hearty bean dish.
- Love Italian-inspired meals? You’ll adore our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna.
- Round things out with a colorful side like Roasted Broccoli and Carrots.
- Or go meatless again with our Marry Me Butter Beans—another flavorful twist on beans!