Okay, so picture this: it’s been one of *those* days, you know? The kind where you walk in the door and the thought of cooking anything complicated just makes you want to lie down. But you still want something comforting, something with big flavor, something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. That, my friends, is where my Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato swoops in to save the day!
Seriously, this dish is my secret weapon for busy weeknights. It’s got all the cozy, rustic vibes of Italian cooking without the fuss. We’re talking tender butter beans swimming in a rich, garlicky sauce with pops of sweet sun-dried tomato and vibrant spinach. It’s naturally vegetarian, packed with goodness, and feels incredibly satisfying.
I’ve spent years messing around in the kitchen, trying to create simple vegetarian meals that don’t feel like you’re missing out. And let me tell you, these Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato hit every single mark. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato
Okay, so why is this Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato recipe the one you need in your life? Let me count the ways! It’s honestly become one of my go-to meals because it just ticks all the boxes. It’s:
- **Crazy Fast:** Seriously, from pantry to plate in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments.
- **Seriously Simple:** No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients needed. Just everyday pantry staples and fresh goodness.
- **Pure Comfort:** It’s warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Like a big hug in a bowl, I tell ya.
- **Naturally Veggie:** A fantastic vegetarian main dish that even the meat-eaters at your table will adore.
- **Super Versatile:** Great on its own, over crusty bread, or even as a side dish.
It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal without any of the fuss. These Tuscan butter beans are just the best!
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Tuscan Butter Beans
The beauty of these Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato is how simple the ingredients are, but how much magic they create together. We’re talking humble canned butter beans (or cannellini!), fresh spinach that wilts down beautifully, and those little bursts of intense flavor from sun-dried tomatoes. Add some garlic and a few other bits, and BAM! You’ve got something truly special.
Quick and Easy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe
You guys know I’m all about easy recipes, and this Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato is the definition of quick and easy. It’s basically a one-pan wonder! Everything comes together so fast on the stovetop, making it absolutely perfect for those nights when you have zero energy but still want something homemade and delicious. Trust me, you can whip this up in a flash.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato
Alright, let’s get everything together for these glorious Tuscan butter beans! You won’t need anything fancy, just some good quality ingredients. Grab two cans of cannellini beans – make sure you give them a good rinse and drain. You’ll also need some olive oil, about a tablespoon, and get those garlic cloves ready to be minced (we’re using four!). Don’t forget half a cup of lovely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a big bunch of fresh spinach (around four cups packed), half a cup of vegetable broth, and a quarter cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk if you’re going vegan!). And finally, grab some grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast!) and your salt and pepper. That’s it for these amazing Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato!
Essential Equipment for Tuscan Butter Beans
You really don’t need a lot of gear for this Tuscan butter beans recipe, which is part of why I love it so much! The main thing you’ll need is a good, large skillet. Something big enough to hold everything comfortably, especially that spinach before it wilts down. Other than that, just your basic kitchen tools like a knife for chopping and a spoon for stirring. See? Simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato
Okay, deep breath! You’ve got your ingredients all lined up for these amazing Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato. Now, let’s make the magic happen. This is seriously easy, promise!
- First things first, get your large skillet heated up over medium heat. Pour in that tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer for a second.
- Now, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, that smell! Cook it until it’s super fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn – that only takes about a minute. Nobody wants bitter garlic!
- Next, stir in those chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for about two minutes. This helps release some of their amazing flavor into the oil.
- Time for the stars of the show! Add your rinsed and drained cannellini beans (our butter beans!) to the skillet along with the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once it’s simmering, turn the heat down a bit and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This is where all those flavors really get to know each other and become something fantastic.
- Now, pile in that fresh spinach! It might look like a mountain, but don’t worry, it’ll cook down in no time. Stir it in and keep cooking for just 2-3 minutes, or until it’s all wilted and happy.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or your coconut milk if you’re making it vegan!). Stir it gently to mix it into the sauce. You’ll see it start to get lovely and creamy.
- Take the skillet off the heat. This is important! Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). The residual heat will melt the cheese and make the sauce even richer.
- Finally, taste it! Season generously with salt and black pepper. You might need more salt than you think, as the beans can soak it up. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s perfect for you.
- Serve up those beautiful Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato while they’re warm and comforting!
Perfecting the Flavor of Your Tuscan Butter Beans
Once you’ve followed the steps for your Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato, the final step is all about making it *yours*. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste it and add more until it sings. If you like things a little spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic is a game-changer. And remember, letting it simmer for that full 5 minutes really helps those sun-dried tomato flavors deepen and infuse into the beans.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Butter Beans
So you’ve made your gorgeous Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato? Yay! Now, how to enjoy them? My absolute favorite way is just with a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping – you do *not* want to waste a drop of that delicious sauce. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also perfect to round things out. It’s really that easy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Butter Beans
Got questions about these Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked them too! Here are a few things people often wonder about when making this dish.
Can I Make Tuscan Butter Beans Vegan?
Absolutely! Making these Tuscan butter beans vegan is super simple. Just swap out the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk – it gives you that lovely creaminess without any dairy. And instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast! It adds a nutty, cheesy flavor that works beautifully with the sun-dried tomato and spinach.
How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Butter Beans
These Tuscan butter beans are great for leftovers! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If they seem a little thick, just add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen them up. You can also microwave them, but the stovetop is my preferred method for keeping that creamy texture.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so I’ve included some estimated nutritional info for these Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomato, which is super helpful if you’re tracking things! Just a little heads-up though, these numbers are just estimates. They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use for things like the beans, broth, or cream. Think of it as a good ballpark figure, not a perfect science!
Print
Crazy Fast Tuscan Butter Beans in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tuscan butter beans with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) if using.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use other white beans like great northern beans.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to your preference.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- This dish is great served with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Tuscan, butter beans, spinach, sun-dried tomato, cannellini beans, vegetarian, Italian