Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach: 3 Easy Creamy Delicious.

Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach is a hug in a skillet. It’s creamy, garlicky, and perfect for weeknights. I built Skiny Taste to prove flavorful meals can emerge from pantry staples. This dish leans into Italian notes like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky coconut-tomato sauce. Read on for a simple step-by-step guide, practical tips, and easy twists.

what make this Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach special

I know busy days hit hard. I need Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach dinners that hug my family without draining me. Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach is the quick, cozy answer. I love garlicky aromas that drift from the skillet. Creamy beans meet bright greens, with a touch of sunshine. It proves weeknights can feel special with pantry staples and a little Italian charm. I crafted it to be meal-planning friendly and kid-approved. Tomato coconut sauce adds depth without heavy cream. Spices bloom quick, so dinner feels effortless after a long day. Plus, it stores well for lunch the next day. Let me show you how cozy weeknight magic happens in one pan.

Flavorful, cozy, and weeknight friendly

I love how this tastes like a cozy hug your family can finish. Creamy butter beans swirl with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tomato-coconut base. Every bite feels comforting yet bright, perfect for busy weeknights.

One-skillet ease and pantry access

With one skillet, I keep cleanup to a minimum. Everything comes together in a single pan, then you serve. Keep pantry staples on hand; it saves time you can’t spare.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

I’ve learned that Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach can turn a chaotic weeknight into a cozy moment. Creamy beans meet garlicky brightness and sun-dried tomatoes, all in one skillet. It’s a quick, comforting hug you can pull off even when time is tight.

A creamy, Italian-inspired finish in minutes

A creamy, Italian-inspired finish in minutes comes from coconut milk and crushed tomatoes. I love how the sauce coats every bean, turning weeknight dinner into something special.

Vegetarian, adaptable, and budget-friendly

Vegetarian, adaptable, and budget-friendly, this dish stays friendly to busy days. It plays nicely with kale, dairy-free milk, or extra herbs, so everyone leaves the table happy.

Ingredients Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Here are all the ingredients for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach. Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and are printable. Optional ingredients and substitutions are noted so you can tailor it to your weeknight needs.

Ingredient overview and substitutions

• Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for sautéing; substitute with avocado oil or butter if preferred)
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced (fresh garlic gives the best aroma)
• Red pepper flakes – 1/2 tsp (adjust for heat)
• Dried oregano – 1/2 tsp
• Dried thyme – 1/2 tsp
• Sun-dried tomatoes – 1/2 cup, chopped
• Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup
• Vegetable broth – 1 cup
• Coconut milk or light cream – 1 cup
• Butter beans – 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• Fresh spinach – 2 cups
• Salt – 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
• Fresh basil – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Optional: Parmesan or nutritional yeast for serving

Notes: Optional ingredients are listed; exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and are printable.

Ingredient tips for best results

• Coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy; opt for full-fat for richer texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes deliver brightness; look for oil-packed varieties in jars.
• Butter beans give a creamy base; rinse to remove excess salt.
• Spinach wilts quickly; add at the end to keep vibrant color.
• Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) fuse the Tuscan character in minutes.
• If dairy-free, skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
• White beans or chickpeas work as substitutes; kale can replace spinach.
• Garlic and oil form the flavor foundation—don’t skip them.
• Crushed tomatoes add tang; coconut milk softens acidity beautifully.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end; coconut milk can mellow saltiness.

How to Make Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Step 1 — Gather, prep, and start Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. I keep the garlic close at hand so it perfumes the kitchen as I prep the rest.

Step 2 — Build the flavor foundation for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Stir in red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1 minute to bloom the flavors. This is where the kitchen starts to smell like a cozy Italian night.

Step 3 — Create the creamy tomato-coconut base for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk; mix until smooth. I love how the coconut milk softens acidity and adds satin creaminess.

Step 4 — Soften the beans and season

Add butter beans, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Quick tip: crush a few beans into the sauce to help it cling to every bite.

Step 5 — Finish with greens and basil for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Stir in spinach until wilted; finish with fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste. I do a final taste and a tiny salt lift if the coconut milk seemed shy.

Step 6 — Serve and enjoy

Serve warm with gluten-free crusty bread, over rice, or with roasted vegetables. My family loves dunking into the sauce with every bite for maximal comfort.

Tips for Success

Quick kitchen wins for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

• For best results, I use a wide skillet when making Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach.
• If you want a thicker sauce, simmer longer or mash a few beans into the sauce.
• Taste and adjust salt before finishing; coconut milk can mellow saltiness.

Equipment Needed

Tools to make Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach easy

• Large skillet or sauté pan (ideally 12-inch) for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for gentle stirring.
• Measuring spoons and cups for accurate seasoning.
• Optional: blender or masher to thicken the sauce; a potato masher works too.

Variations

Flavor twists and dietary swaps for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier bite.
• Replace coconut milk with dairy cream or a dairy-free creamer for different richness.
• Add white beans or chickpeas for a different bean base.
• Add chopped olives or capers for a briny tang.

Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Crowd-pleasing pairings and presentation ideas

• Serve Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach with gluten-free crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every creamy swirl.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa for a balanced weeknight plate.
• Finish with extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan or nutritional yeast for a bright, inviting finish.

Make It Your Own: 3 Variations of Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach

Variation 1 — Creamy coconut twist

I love how Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach becomes silkier with coconut milk. This Creamy coconut twist keeps the dish dairy-free without losing that velvet texture I crave after a long day. It’s a cozy, weeknight-friendly upgrade that still comes together in minutes.

• Use full-fat coconut milk for extra richness.
• Mash 1–2 beans into the sauce to thicken naturally.
• Squeeze a little lime juice at the end to brighten.
• Keep sun-dried tomatoes for brightness; add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

Variation 2 — Tomato-forward robustness

If you crave a more tomato-forward profile for Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach, this version leans into crushed tomatoes and a touch of paste. I love the tangy, savory bite it brings, and it still cooks fast on a busy weeknight.

• Increase crushed tomatoes to 1 1/2 cups; adjust broth as needed.
• Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor.
• Balance acidity with a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic.
• Optional: add olives for a briny pop.

Variation 3 — Green goddess boost (extra greens and herbs)

Variation 3 turns the dish into a green goddess moment. I pile in extra herbs and greens so every bite feels fresh and vibrant in Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach.

• Stir in kale or Swiss chard along with spinach for extra heft.
• Finish with parsley, chives, and a zest of lemon for brightness.
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra torn basil.
• This version stores well for meal prep and reheats nicely.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead or freeze it?

Yes. Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach is great for meal prep. I often cook it ahead and reheat for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beans and sauce separately for up to 2–3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or coconut milk to bring back the creaminess.

Is this dish gluten-free and vegetarian?

Absolutely. This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian as written. Check labels on sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth if you’re buying store brands.

Want it vegan? Omit Parmesan (or use nutritional yeast). The creamy base comes from coconut milk, not dairy, so it stays friendly to dairy-free diets.

Can I use canned beans other than butter beans?

Yes. White beans or chickpeas work well in this recipe. They’ll bring a slightly different texture, but still delicious in the Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach sauce.

Rinse well and use the same measurement. If you want more creaminess, mash a few beans into the sauce to thicken it naturally.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Typically, 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it rests, which is a nice bonus for busy days.

Reheat gently on the stove until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth or coconut milk if it looks a bit thick or dry.

Final Thoughts

The heart of a weeknight supper

This dish, Tuscan Butter Beans with Spinach, is a weeknight hug.
I reach for it when schedules spike and energy dips.
Creamy beans and greens quietly remind me why I cook daily.

A practical, flavorful staple for busy weeks

Week after week, this skillet saves time and stress.
It scales for a solo dinner or a family night.
Leftovers taste bright and inviting the next day.

Encouragement to make it your own and share with loved ones

Make it yours with greens, spices, or a dairy-free twist.
Cook it when you need comfort, nourishment, and a little joy.
Share the skillet, share the smiles, and savor together with loved ones.

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