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Velvety Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

As seen in Delicious Vegetarian Meals That Satisfy Everyone.

This simple Tuscan butter bean recipe is all about homestyle comfort with an Italian twist. You sauté garlic and mild shallots, toss in tender butter beans with chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and balance it all with fresh spinach. Creamy, cheesy sauce and a hint of smoky paprika give it bold flavor that comes together in 25 minutes flat. Serve with warm crusty bread or enjoy it solo—it's hearty, colorful, and perfect for weeknights.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:29:35 GMT
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A hearty bean dish filling a bowl, garnished with green veggies and tomatoes. Save Recipe
A hearty bean dish filling a bowl, garnished with green veggies and tomatoes. | yummygusto.com

This rustic Tuscan bean dish combines creamy butter beans, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, velvety sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes. The tender beans and wilted greens swim in a luxurious sauce brightened by sweet tomatoes - perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or elegant side dish. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this classic Italian preparation brings countryside flavors straight to your table.

The natural creaminess of butter beans creates an irresistible comfort food that satisfies without feeling heavy. This dish captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking - simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients

  • Butter beans: Large, creamy beans with natural thickening properties
  • Fresh spinach: Tender leaves that wilt beautifully into the sauce
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tart flavor and meaty texture
  • Shallots: Mild, sweet onion flavor
  • Fresh garlic: Essential aromatic base
  • Parmesan cheese: Aged cheese for depth and richness
  • Light cream: Creates silky sauce texture
  • Apple cider vinegar: Balancing acidity

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Initial Preparation
Heat reserved sun-dried tomato oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced shallots until soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
Building Flavors
Add minced fresh garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Adding Beans
Incorporate drained butter beans, warming through while stirring gently for 2 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
Pour in light cream, bring to gentle simmer while stirring. Reduce heat immediately.
Incorporating Cheese
Add freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until completely melted.
Finishing Touches
Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach until greens wilt. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Traditional Italian cooking emphasizes using every flavorful element - the oil from sun-dried tomatoes carries intense flavor that enriches the entire dish.

A bowl of beans with greens and tomatoes, ready to be eaten. Save Recipe
A bowl of beans with greens and tomatoes, ready to be eaten. | yummygusto.com

About Butter Beans

These large, creamy legumes originated in Peru but are beloved worldwide. Known as lima beans in North America and butter beans in Britain, they're prized for their smooth texture and subtle, buttery flavor that develops fully during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish excels as a quick weeknight meal. Serve over pasta for a complete dinner, or spoon onto grilled sourdough for an elevated toast. The flavors continue developing overnight, making leftovers equally enjoyable.

Recipe Variations

  • Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh oregano
  • Tuscan Bean Soup: Thin with vegetable broth, garnish with olive oil and basil
  • Hearty Version: Include crumbled Italian sausage

Storage Instructions

Store in airtight container in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with added liquid to restore sauce consistency. Freeze portioned servings up to 2 months.

A bowl of soup with beans, spinach, and tomatoes. Save Recipe
A bowl of soup with beans, spinach, and tomatoes. | yummygusto.com

This adaptable recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can create exceptional results. The natural creaminess of butter beans provides richness without heaviness, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I use butter beans from a can for this?
Definitely! Just rinse and drain the canned beans before they hit the pan, and you’re good to go.
→ What’s a good non-dairy substitute for the cream?
Try swapping the cream with rich coconut milk or creamy cashew purée. For a cheesy vibe, add a bit of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
→ How long do these leftovers stay fresh in the fridge?
Keep them in a tightly sealed container for 3 days tops. Adding a drizzle of broth when reheating can loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened.
→ What can I pair with this recipe?
Warm crusty bread, a pile of simple pasta, or roasted veggies all make great partners. A fresh salad works nicely too!
→ Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze it, but the creamy sauce might split when thawing. It’s better to freeze before adding the cream, then mix fresh cream in when reheating.
→ Can I just use normal paprika instead of smoked?
Sure thing! The flavor won’t have that smokiness, but you can boost it with just a drop of liquid smoke if you want to replicate it.

Velvety Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Plump butter beans are kissed with a tangy mix of sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach, wrapped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce for a quick vegetarian fix.

Preparation Time
5 Mins
Cooking Time
20 Mins
Total Time
25 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Meat-Free Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Style: Italian

Makes: 4 Serves

Dietary Notes: Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 shallot, diced finely
02 1 tbsp oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes
03 4-5 sun-dried or sun-blushed tomatoes (mix them if you’d like!)
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 14 oz / 400g butter beans, drained (or try cannellini beans instead)
06 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 250ml / 1 cup of vegetable broth
09 4 fresh basil leaves, sliced up thin (or ½ tsp dried basil works too)
10 125ml / ½ cup light or single cream
11 30g / 1 cup fresh spinach
12 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
13 Pinch of salt (to your liking)

Method

01

Warm up the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes over low heat in a large pan. Toss in the chopped shallot to soften it for a couple of minutes. Stir in both the garlic and the sun-dried tomatoes, letting everything sizzle for about 30 seconds until the smell is irresistible.

02

Add your drained butter beans, sprinkle a little salt, and stir in the smoked paprika. Mix everything together before splashing in the apple cider vinegar to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it bubble briefly, then pour in the vegetable stock and mix in your basil. Lower the heat and gently simmer for around 10 minutes so the flavors blend really well.

03

Stir the cream into your pan and scatter the Parmesan cheese on top. Gently mix until the cheese is melted into the sauce. Finally, fold in the fresh spinach and give it a bit to wilt down (covering the pan will help). Add salt to taste and take it off the heat. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy warmth!

Cook's Tips

  1. This comforting, Tuscan-inspired recipe pairs buttery soft beans with fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together in a rich Parmesan cream.
  2. Developed by Julia Frey of Vikalinka.
  3. Make it heartier by serving it with pasta or alongside crunchy bread to mop up all that sauce.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Flexible spatula or wooden spoon

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • Includes dairy (Parmesan cheese and cream)

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 305
  • Fat Content: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Protein: 14 g