Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich butter beans and nutrient-dense spinach.
  • Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a savory and satisfying taste.
  • Versatile: Can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, and pairs well with various proteins.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes or sun-blushed tomatoes, chopped
  • 400g (14 oz) butter beans, drained (or cannellini beans)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
  • 4 basil leaves, sliced (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
  • 125ml (½ cup) single (light) cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 30g (1 cup) fresh spinach
  • Salt, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar in a pan over low heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; cook for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add Beans and Spices: Incorporate the drained butter beans, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, allowing it to reduce for a few seconds. Add the vegetable stock and basil leaves. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the single cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  5. Add Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a few minutes. You can cover the pan with a lid to expedite this process.
  6. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Addition: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
  • Herb Substitutions: Use fresh oregano or thyme instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegan Option: Replace the cream with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable stock or cream to maintain the desired consistency.

FAQs

What are butter beans?

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are large, ivory-colored beans with a smooth texture and buttery flavor. They are rich in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to various dishes.

Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, canned butter beans work well and save time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before use.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can use semi-dried (sun-blushed) tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes as alternatives.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the single cream with a plant-based cream and replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all packaged ingredients, like vegetable stock and sun-dried tomatoes, are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen after resting, making it even more delicious when reheated.

What dishes pair well with Tuscan butter beans?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside a fresh green salad.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

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Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 serving
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring protein-rich butter beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious, savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice for a satisfying meal.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4–5 sun-dried or sun-blushed tomatoes, chopped
  • 400g (14 oz) butter beans, drained (or cannellini beans)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock
  • 4 basil leaves, sliced (or ½ tsp dried basil)
  • 125ml (½ cup) single (light) cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 30g (1 cup) fresh spinach
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a pan over low heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  • Add Beans & Spices: Add the butter beans, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the beans in the flavors.
  • Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in apple cider vinegar and let it reduce briefly. Add vegetable stock and basil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add Spinach: Fold in the spinach and let it wilt for a few minutes. Cover the pan for faster wilting.
  • Season & Serve: Adjust salt to taste and serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

Notes

  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, but ensure all packaged ingredients are certified GF.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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