If you’re searching for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines tender butter beans with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a rich, velvety sauce that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is so simple to make, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again whenever you want to impress or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the delicious harmony of flavors in the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe. Each item plays a key role whether it’s enhancing the creaminess, adding a touch of heat, or bringing freshness to every bite.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, fruity base that elevates the garlic and spices.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick that awakens the dish.
- Fresh thyme leaves: This herb lends an earthy, slightly minty note that blends beautifully with the creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For just the right hint of heat that brightens flavors without overpowering.
- Butter beans (canned, drained and rinsed): These large, creamy beans are the star of the show, creating the velvety texture everyone will love.
- Vegetable stock: Adds depth and subtle savoriness while keeping the dish light.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (finely diced): They bring a tangy sweetness and a burst of vibrant color.
- Heavy cream: This enriches the sauce, delivering that luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- Baby spinach (roughly chopped): Fresh greens add brightness and a pop of vibrant green.
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Provides a nutty, salty finish that melds the flavors together.
- Fresh basil leaves (sliced): A fragrant herb that crowns the dish with freshness and complexity.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Oil with Garlic, Thyme, and Red Pepper
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once it’s warm and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to release those wonderful aromas and gently toast the garlic without burning it. This step is where your kitchen starts to fill with the flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Add Butter Beans to the Flavorful Base
Next, add the drained and rinsed butter beans right into the skillet. Stir them around for 30 seconds to coat them evenly with the infused oil and fragrant herbs. This little pan-cuddle helps the beans soak up some of that initial flavor burst before the sauce begins to form.
Step 3: Build the Creamy, Tangy Sauce
Pour in the vegetable stock, followed by the finely diced sun-dried tomatoes and the heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep the heat low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer not only thickens the sauce beautifully but allows the flavors to marry perfectly, which is, of course, the magic behind the name of this Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Spinach, Parmesan, and Basil
Once your sauce has thickened and looks gloriously creamy, stir in the chopped baby spinach, grated parmesan cheese, and freshly sliced basil leaves. The spinach wilts just enough to add vibrant color, while the parmesan melts into the sauce, upping the savory factor. The basil finishes it off with a fresh, herbal brightness that ties everything together beautifully. Serve immediately, ideally over fluffy rice or alongside warm pita or crusty bread to scoop up every last bit.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the dish even more by sprinkling extra fresh basil leaves or a little extra parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of good olive oil can add a lovely sheen and richness. For those who like a bit more kick, a few extra crushed red pepper flakes work wonders. Garnishes not only elevate the appearance but add an extra punch of flavor and freshness every time.
Side Dishes
This dish is versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a comforting meal, or alongside warm pita bread to soak up that luscious sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the creaminess perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa pilaf also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress family or guests, serve the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with delicate herb sprigs and freshly cracked black pepper. Present it alongside an antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-themed spread. Another fun idea is to stuff warm pita pockets with the beans and fresh spinach for a lovely hand-held meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The good news is that this creamy bean dish keeps well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe, but because it contains cream and fresh spinach, texture changes might occur. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing before adding spinach and fresh herbs. Freeze the beans in an airtight container for up to 2 months, then add the greens fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of vegetable stock or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Reintroduce fresh spinach and basil after warming to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried butter beans, soak and cook them ahead of time until tender before starting the recipe. This can add extra flavor and a firmer texture, but using canned beans saves time and is just as delicious.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan because of the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, substitute with plant-based cream and vegan parmesan alternatives. The dish stays wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
Can I make Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. A bit of hot sauce on the side works well too.
What can I substitute for vegetable stock?
If you don’t have vegetable stock, chicken stock or even water with a pinch of salt and herbs can work in a pinch, though vegetable stock provides a richer depth of flavor that’s ideal for this dish.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially when served with rice or gluten-free bread. Just double-check that your stock and any additional accompaniments don’t contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is like welcoming a warm, flavorful friend into your kitchen. It’s creamy, cozy, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish promises satisfaction in every luscious, herb-kissed bite. I’m sure once you make it, it’ll find a forever spot in your favorites, too. Enjoy!
Print
Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender butter beans simmered with garlic, thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of spice. Finished with fresh spinach, basil, and parmesan, it’s perfect served over rice or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely diced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sliced fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and once hot, add minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release the aromas without burning the garlic.
- Add Butter Beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to coat them with the infused oil and spices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock, finely diced sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Finish with Greens and Cheese: Stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach, finely grated parmesan cheese, and sliced fresh basil leaves. Mix together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. Serve immediately over cooked rice or with pita bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water first.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
