Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Give butter beans a Tuscan twist! This easy recipe simmers creamy beans with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner. Get the recipe!

May 29, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Alright, let's get this butter bean party started! ever find yourself staring at a can of butter beans thinking, "what on earth do i do with these ?" honestly, i have.

But trust me, this recipe will change your mind. we're diving into a creamy tuscan butter bean dish so good, you'll be licking the bowl.

Get ready for some tasty vegetarian recipes .

Tuscan Butter Bean Bliss: A Recipe Introduction

This ain't your grandma's butter beans recipe , unless your grandma was a super-chic tuscan chef. originating from the heart of italy, this dish takes simple ingredients and elevates them to a new level of deliciousness.

It's healthy fall recipes dinner material! it's so easy you will make it often. we are talking about less than an hour of prep and cooking.

This recipe yields four servings. it’s perfect for a cosy night in or a sophisticated side.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) dried butter beans OR 2 (15-ounce/425g) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan option)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (packed) fresh sage leaves
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)

Instructions:

• (If using dried beans): Soak the dried butter beans in cold water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
• Add dried oregano and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine. Add the butter beans (either soaked dried beans or canned beans), vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-45 minutes (or longer if using dried beans), or until the beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• While the beans are simmering, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until crispy. Remove sage leaves with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Ladle the creamy butter beans into bowls. Top with crispy sage leaves and grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:8g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish, Main Course

Cuisine:Tuscan

Why These Butter Beans Are the Bees Knees

One of the best things about butter beans ? they are packed with fibre. this helps to keep you feeling full and happy, which is always a bonus, right? these butter beans are perfect as part of healthy fall recipes .

The fall dinner recipes are calling. it's also fantastic for a fall recipes dinner . picture yourself serving this up on a chilly autumn evening.

It's pure comfort food. what makes this recipe special? it’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance. it’s a plats healthy !

From Bean to Bowl: What You'll Need

Now, onto the fun bit – the ingredients! we're talking butter beans , obviously, along with the usual suspects. you'll need some good olive oil, garlic, onion, herbs, and a touch of cream.

Oh, and don't forget the crispy sage and parmesan. here is a simple okra stew alternative. you can even throw in some butter beans and okra recipe .

Vegetable broth is also a must.

Get Ready to Cook!

Right, grab your apron. let's get cooking. it's healthy fall . this fall recipes healthy dish is about to become a new favourite.

Get ready for a cosy fall recipes dinner . you could even try it in your crockpot .

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? These are the bits that'll make or break your dish. Pay attention, yeah?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, we're making magic with butter bean s today. you can use the canned ones. or, you know, go full-on healthy and soak the dried kind.

Your call, really. this is where tasty vegetarian recipes meet proper comfort food.

Main Ingredients

• Butter beans : 1 pound (450g) if dried. Two 15-ounce (425g) cans if you’re feeling lazy. Honestly, sometimes I'm all about convenience. Just make sure to rinse those canned fellas well! Quality indicators? If using dried, look for beans that aren't cracked or super pale. They should look plump and happy, innit?.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , extra virgin. Go for the good stuff. You can taste the difference.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About 1 cup, give or take.
• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don’t skimp. Garlic is life.
• Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) . If you're brave.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Or chicken broth, if you’re not veggie. I have a soft spot for a proper Crockpot Butter Beans made with good Vegetable Broth .
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Coconut milk works too if you're doing the vegan thing. This will elevate the dish to be one of the Healthy Fall Recipes Dinner .
• Sage leaves: 1/4 cup (packed) . Fresh, mind you.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated. Nutritional yeast for the vegans.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs!

Essential spices? oregano and thyme are non-negotiable. they give that tuscan vibe. red pepper flakes add a cheeky kick. basil butter is also an alternative that can take this to the next level! if you don't have oregano, marjoram is a decent sub.

Enhancers? A bay leaf thrown in while simmering does wonders. I also sometimes sneak in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. Fall Dinner Recipes should be exciting, right?

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot or Dutch oven. Gotta have something to simmer in!
• Small skillet. For the sage.
• Slotted spoon. For fishing out the crispy sage.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Unless you're one of those people who can eyeball everything... which I am NOT.
• Alternatives? A big saucepan will do if you don't have a Dutch oven. And honestly, you can crisp the sage in the same pot after you take the beans out. Just wipe it down first!

Right then, you're all set. let's get cooking, yeah? this can be one of your next favourite healthy fall recipes .

And you can use a slow cook to make this dish!. and if you are looking for more fall recipes healthy , try to use speckled butter beans !.

Right then, let's talk butter beans ! they're not just your nan's lima beans anymore, are they? we're gonna elevate these beauties into something proper posh: creamy tuscan butter beans with crispy sage and parmesan.

Honestly, it’s easier than you think, and the flavour? oh my gosh! it's a hug in a bowl. this definitely qualifies for my list of healthy fall recipes dinner .

Prepping for Butter Bean Bliss

Mise en Place: Your Best Mate

First things first, get your stuff sorted. this is essential mise en place , like a proper chef would do.

Chop your onion (1 medium, yellow), mince your garlic (4 cloves), and measure out your herbs (1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp dried thyme).

If you're using dried butter beans (1 pound, or 450g), soak them overnight. if not, grab two tins (15-ounce/425g each) of pre-cooked ones, drained and rinsed.

It is so important to prep before, to avoid mistakes.

Organisation is King

Time-saving? you bet! while the beans simmer, prep your sage leaves (1/4 cup). that way, you're not scrambling when the beans are nearly done.

That could totally ruin a fall dinner recipes . and don't forget the parmesan (1/4 cup), grated!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Butter Bean Magic

1. (If using dried): Soak dried beans for 6- 8 hours or overnight. Then drain and rinse.
2. Sauté the onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This is the base of our flavor!
3. Stir in oregano and thyme. Add butter beans , broth (4 cups), salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30- 45 minutes until beans are tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream (1/2 cup). Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld. This step will make the Plats Healthy !
5. Fry sage leaves in hot oil for 1- 2 minutes per side, until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
6. Ladle the butter beans into bowls and top with crispy sage and parmesan. A drizzle of oil finishes it off.

Pro Tips for a Stellar Butter Bean Experience

Creamy Dreams

Don't rush the simmering. Low and slow is key for creamy beans. Aim for a gentle simmer.

Common Blunders

Under-seasoning! Salt is your friend. Taste and adjust as you go. Also, don't overcrowd the sage when frying.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can make the butter beans a day ahead. just reheat gently before serving. you can adjust the seasonings to make a tasty vegetarian recipes that works for you.

And remember, this could easily be adapted for crockpot butter beans , making it an even easier fall recipes healthy option.

This also turns into a really good recipe for okra stew .

Honestly, this butter beans recipe is proper tasty. the crispy sage and parmesan add such a lovely contrast to the creamy beans.

And it's surprisingly easy. plus, it makes a fantastic vegetarian fall recipes dinner . you could even add some okra recipes into the mix for a bit of extra something, maybe a butter beans and okra recipe ? if you're looking for healthy fall recipes , look no further.

Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty with some recipe notes! honestly, these are the little things that can really elevate your butter bean game.

It's like adding that extra bit of sparkle, you know?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Butter Bean Magic

Fab Serving Suggestions

Okay, so presentation matters, right? for plating, think rustic charm. a swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss! this dish is one of my favorite plats healthy .

Complementary sides could include some grilled asparagus or a simple rocket salad with a lemon vinaigrette. and for a beverage? a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio would be amazing .

Or even just some sparkling water with a slice of lemon. it's your call, really. these tasty vegetarian recipes are a win with a cold drink in a hot summer evening, but it can be easily adaptated to a cozy fall dinner recipes .

Storage Like a Pro

So, you've got leftovers? ace! let's talk storage. for refrigeration, pop those butter beans into an airtight container and they'll be good for about 3-4 days.

If you're thinking long-term, freezing is an option! just let them cool completely first. when reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth if they've thickened up too much.

Low and slow is key – a gentle simmer on the hob works best.

Switching It Up: Variations are the spice of life!

Fancy a change? no worries! if you're after a dairy-free version, swap out the cream for full-fat coconut milk – it's surprisingly lush.

And for a bit of spice? a pinch more red pepper flakes will do the trick. seasonally, you could swap the parmesan for a hard sheep's cheese, and add some fall recipes dinner .

Try some okra recipes in the summer season. try them along with a butter beans and okra recipe think about adding in some roasted butternut squash.

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's break down some basics. butter beans are packed with fiber and protein. they're also a good source of iron.

This is why they are great for the healthy fall recipes dinner ! plus, the healthy fats from the olive oil and the calcium from the parmesan are a bonus.

This dish is a proper nutritional powerhouse. so many possibilities for fall recipes healthy . i personally think that a crockpot butter beans version is the perfect fall dinner recipes , especially on healthy fall evenings.

So there you have it! a few extra tips to help you really nail this butter bean dish. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking, my friend! you could even adapt these creamy, dreamy beans for use as a side with all sorts of crockpot dishes , especially now that it is fall .

Remember to choose the best vegetable broth .