Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a flavorful sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, finished with Parmesan cheese for a luscious texture. This comforting recipe is perfect for a quick, hearty meal that satisfies vegetarians and can be easily adapted for vegans.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
Beans & Seasonings
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the Butter Beans: Gently fold in the rinsed and drained butter beans, ensuring they’re fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed to achieve a creamy texture.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor. Garnish with extra basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to customize the spice level.
- Use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; avoid cooking it too long to preserve its flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
