Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

$- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make this dish dairy-free. Both options add creaminess. For herbs, fresh basil, oregano, or thyme may add more flavor than dried herbs. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them and add them to the skillet after cooking the onion and garlic. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a nice base flavor. Next, add minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Cook this mix for one more minute until it smells great. Now, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften a bit. Now it's time for the star of the dish: butter beans! Add the drained and rinsed butter beans into the skillet. Mix them gently until they are well coated with the onion and tomato mixture. After that, pour in the heavy cream. This makes the dish rich and creamy. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the cream thicken slightly. Next, fold in the fresh spinach. Cook it just until it wilts, which should take around 2-3 minutes. This adds a nice color and freshness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Remove the skillet from heat. To make it look pretty, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful delight! To get the right thickness with cream, use heavy cream. It adds richness. If you want a lighter option, try coconut cream. Both create a nice, smooth texture. Simmer gently after adding cream. This helps it thicken without curdling. You can boost the flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh basil is a great addition. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, too. Experiment with what you like best! Use a large skillet to cook all the ingredients. This keeps everything mixed well. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. Make sure to keep the heat moderate. This helps the beans warm evenly and prevents burning. Enjoy the process! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of the dish. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste. Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to use more or less cream based on your preference for creaminess. Coconut cream is a great alternative for a dairy-free version. Perfectly Cooked Spinach: Add the spinach at the end to preserve its bright color and nutrients. Overcooking can make it soggy and dull. Customize the Beans: If you want a different texture, try mixing butter beans with chickpeas or white beans for added variety in your dish. {{image_2}} For a tasty plant-based dish, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich without dairy. You can also add in more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to boost nutrition. This way, you still enjoy creamy Tuscan butter beans without losing the flavor. Try using different beans if you can’t find butter beans. Cannellini or navy beans work great. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream or even almond milk. Fresh herbs give a vibrant taste, but dried ones work too. Just remember, the flavors will be a bit stronger with dried herbs. To make this dish even tastier, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. They bring a lovely depth to the sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh parsley or rosemary can add a nice touch, making it feel even more Tuscan. These little tweaks can turn a simple meal into a flavorful feast. To keep your creamy Tuscan butter beans fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down first. Place it in the fridge, where it will stay good for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, keep it in smaller portions. This way, you can easily grab what you need. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet on low heat for the best results. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave; just cover the dish to keep moisture in. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the creamy texture. If you want to freeze the creamy butter beans, place them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the dish will expand when frozen. It’s best to eat it within three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for best taste. Yes, you can use fresh butter beans. Fresh beans need to be cooked first. Boil them until tender, which takes about 30 minutes. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your dish. Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with crusty bread or over rice. They also go nicely with grilled chicken or fish. A side salad adds a fresh touch as well. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before you put it away. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors meld. Just reheat it gently on the stove. Stir well to ensure even heating. In this post, I shared how to make a creamy Tuscan butter bean dish. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. I also covered variations, proper storage, and answered common questions. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to fit your taste. The dish is both easy and delicious. Enjoy creating your own version!$

A delicious and creamy dish featuring butter beans, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, fresh
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the butter beans, mixing well to coat them with the onion and tomato mixture.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Fold in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Keyword butter beans, creamy, Italian, vegetarian