Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans (Printable Version)

Luxurious butter beans in a velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs - a comforting Italian-inspired dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

→ Sauce Components

05 - ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option)
07 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for vegan option)

→ Main Component

08 - 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, rinsed and drained

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
11 - ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

# Steps:

01 - 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.
02 - Stir in the 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.
03 - Gently fold in the butter beans, ensuring they're fully coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for 5–7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
04 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which will naturally thicken the sauce. Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
05 - Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

# Notes:

01 - This dish transforms humble butter beans into a restaurant-quality meal. For best results, allow the beans to simmer in the sauce long enough to absorb the flavors.