Amazing Tuscan Butter Beans in 10 Mins

Name: Amazing Tuscan Butter Beans in 10 Mins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

by Manar Jota

August 20, 2025

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Tuscan butter beans have become a staple in my kitchen, bringing a comforting taste of Italy right to my table. I remember the first time I tried a dish like this – it was at a small trattoria in Florence, and the beans were so tender and flavorful, swimming in a rich, garlicky sauce. It tasted like sunshine and home all at once. This recipe is my attempt to capture that magic, creating a dish that’s incredibly satisfying and wonderfully easy to whip up. It’s a fantastic way to prepare Cannellini beans Tuscan style, and I’m so excited to share this easy Tuscan butter beans recipe with you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Incredible flavor: Rich, garlicky, and herbaceous, it’s a taste of Italy in every bite.
Super quick prep: Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and satisfying: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
Budget-friendly: Utilizes pantry staples for an affordable meal.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.
Authentic Italian taste: This Butter beans Italian recipe brings classic flavors to your table.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a hearty main or a delicious side.
Simple to make: A straightforward Butter beans Italian recipe that’s foolproof.

Ingredients for Authentic Tuscan Butter Beans

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a truly delicious Tuscan butter beans recipe. The base starts with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, which provides a lovely richness and helps sauté our aromatics. You’ll need 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, for a touch of sweetness, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, to give our dish that signature garlic butter beans Tuscan flavor. For the tomato base, we use 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes. The stars of the show are 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed – rinsing is key to reducing sodium. We also add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for warmth and classic Italian notes. Of course, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Finally, 2 cups fresh spinach leaves wilt into the sauce for added nutrients, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, brings a burst of freshness.

How to Cook Tuscan Butter Beans

Step 1: Start by heating 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. You’ll start to smell its sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Now, stir in the 3 cloves garlic, minced. Cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell the fragrant garlic. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make it bitter.
Step 3: Pour in the 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, along with their juices. Add the 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir, then let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to really meld together, creating a rich tomato base for our creamy Tuscan butter beans.
Step 4: Add the 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed, to the skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Stir gently to combine everything. Let this mixture cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You want the beans to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a wonderfully creamy Tuscan butter beans consistency.
Step 5: Finally, stir in the 2 cups fresh spinach leaves. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach has wilted into the sauce. This adds a beautiful color and a boost of nutrients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your Tuscan butter beans recipe is almost ready!
Step 6: Serve your warm, creamy Tuscan butter beans immediately. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness and color. A little extra drizzle of olive oil on top is never a bad idea either!

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Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Butter Beans

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these Tuscan Butter Beans absolutely perfect. These tips ensure you get the most flavor and the best texture every single time you make this dish.

For an extra creamy texture, try mashing about ½ cup of the drained beans against the side of the skillet before adding the rest of the beans.
Don’t be shy with the olive oil! A good quality extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference in the overall flavor of this Italian butter bean dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning frequently. Salt and pepper are crucial for bringing out the best in the beans and garlic.
If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes to reduce.

What’s the secret to perfect Tuscan Butter Beans?

The real secret is in the aromatics and slow simmering. Sautéing the onion until sweet and then blooming the garlic and spices before adding the beans ensures a deep flavor base. This is why butter beans in Tuscan dishes are so beloved – they absorb all those wonderful tastes. For more Italian-inspired dishes, check out our Indian Butter Chicken recipe.

Can I make Tuscan Butter Beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base sauce (steps 1-3) a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently warm the sauce, then add the beans and spinach and finish cooking as directed. This makes assembling this simple Tuscan butter bean side dish even quicker.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Tuscan Butter Beans?

Avoid overcooking the beans; they should be tender but hold their shape. Also, don’t burn the garlic – cook it just until fragrant. Finally, make sure to rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid. For more cooking tips, you might find information on cooking beans and lentils helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Tuscan Butter Beans

These flavorful beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! They are fantastic as a hearty vegetarian main dish, especially when served with crusty bread like focaccia or a simple garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for ideas on how to prepare Tuscan white beans recipe pairings, consider serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. They also make a wonderful, protein-packed side dish for roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. This dish truly shines as a comforting Italian bean stew. For other delicious main courses, explore our Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry.

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Nutrition Facts for Tuscan Butter Beans

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Tuscan butter beans recipe. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: 320
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Butter Beans

Leftover Tuscan butter beans are a fantastic bonus, and storing them properly ensures they stay delicious for your next meal. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer any remaining creamy Tuscan butter beans into an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While this dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the creamy sauce might separate, you can store them for about 3 months if necessary, just be prepared for a slight texture change upon reheating. This makes them a great option for planning a simple Tuscan butter bean side dish ahead of time. For more recipe ideas, consider our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

To reheat, gently warm the beans on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of water, broth, or a touch of cream can help loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious consistency. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan beans again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Butter Beans

What are Tuscan Butter Beans?

Tuscan butter beans are essentially large, creamy white beans, often cannellini beans, prepared in a rustic Italian style. This dish typically involves simmering them in a flavorful sauce with garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and good olive oil. They are a staple in Italian cuisine, known for their comforting texture and ability to absorb surrounding flavors, making them a wonderful Italian butter bean dish.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned for Tuscan Butter Beans?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use dried beans, soak about 1 ½ cups of dried butter beans overnight. Then, cook them according to package directions until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain them well and then proceed with the recipe from Step 4. This method results in a wonderfully authentic taste, and it’s a great way to prepare authentic Tuscan butter beans from scratch. For more general recipes, visit our recipes page.

Are Tuscan Butter Beans gluten-free?

Yes, the core ingredients of this Tuscan white beans recipe are naturally gluten-free. Butter beans, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil do not contain gluten. However, always double-check your ingredient labels, especially for any pre-made broths or added seasonings, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. You can find more information on gluten-free diets from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

What makes Tuscan Butter Beans so creamy?

The creaminess in this Tuscan butter beans recipe comes from a few factors. The inherent starchiness of the butter beans themselves contributes to a thicker sauce. Additionally, simmering the beans gently allows them to release some of their natural starches, thickening the tomato and garlic base. For an even richer, creamier texture, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pan before adding the rest. For a similar comforting dish, try our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Variations of Butter Beans in Italian Cuisine You Can Try

While this Tuscan butter beans recipe is absolutely delightful as is, the beauty of Italian cooking is its adaptability! You can easily switch things up to suit your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to explore butter beans with tomatoes and herbs in new ways.

Spicy Tuscan Beans: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes, or even a finely chopped jalapeño with the onions for a vibrant kick.
Creamy Tuscan Beans with Sausage: Brown 4 oz of Italian sausage (pork or turkey) with the onions for a heartier, meatier dish.
Lemon-Herb Butter Beans: Stir in the zest and juice of half a lemon right at the end, along with extra fresh parsley and a hint of rosemary, for a brighter flavor profile.
Vegan Tuscan Butter Beans: Ensure your dish is completely plant-based by using olive oil instead of butter, skipping any cheese garnish, and perhaps adding a splash of unsweetened coconut milk for extra creaminess if desired.