If you’ve ever wished you could capture pure comfort in a single skillet, these Marry Me Butter Beans are about to make your culinary dreams come true. Plump butter beans are simmered in a creamy, garlicky Tuscan-inspired sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs—every bite feels like a cozy declaration of love. Yes, it’s *that* good: the kind of creamy, swoon-worthy dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Creamy & Comforting: The luscious sauce turns humble butter beans into something dreamy—every spoonful feels like a big, cozy hug.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and fresh basil bring bold savory notes and a touch of brightness in every bite.
- Fast & Fuss-Free: This one-pan wonder comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep, but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Serve Marry Me Butter Beans over crusty bread, pasta, or rice—there’s truly no wrong way to enjoy this swoon-worthy dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here has a role to play in making Marry Me Butter Beans so irresistible. You don’t need a long grocery list—just a handful of everyday staples to create a dish that’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely packed with flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, silky canvas for our flavor base—use real butter for best results.
- Garlic: Four cloves may seem generous, but their bold aroma infuses every bite with warmth.
- Salt, Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Smoked Paprika, Ground Black Pepper: This spice blend layers in depth, subtle heat, and that signature Tuscan warmth.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursting with tangy sweetness, these little jewels add chewy texture and addictive flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Adjust the volume for a thicker or looser sauce—it ties everything together with extra savoriness.
- Butter Beans (Lima Beans): Creamy, plump, and protein-packed; they absorb the sauce beautifully and keep you satisfied.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding brilliant green color and a pop of tender freshness.
- Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half): Turns the sauce decadently smooth—use half-and-half for a lighter twist.
- Grated Parmesan: Salty, nutty, and essential for the sauce’s savory backbone.
- Fresh Basil: Just before serving, basil lifts the whole dish with its bright, herby finish.
Variations
Want to make Marry Me Butter Beans your own? This recipe is delightfully flexible—feel free to swap spices, greens, or even experiment with plant-based swaps. Let your cravings (and your pantry) guide you!
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream, and swap in nutritional yeast for parmesan for a luscious vegan twist.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even mushrooms to add extra flavor and texture.
- Extra Protein: Toss in cooked chicken or crispy pancetta if you want to make it more hearty and meaty.
- Swap the Greens: Baby kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can step in for spinach depending on your taste and what’s on hand.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Melt the unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Let them gently sizzle for about two minutes—your kitchen will smell beyond incredible, and the spices will bloom into the butter just perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Next, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, followed by your drained butter beans. Pour in the vegetable broth—start with ½ cup for a thicker sauce, or use more if you want it looser. Let everything simmer uncovered for five minutes so the beans soak up every drop of flavor and the tomatoes soften slightly.
Step 3: Finish with Cream, Greens, and Cheese
Remove your pan from the heat and stir in the chopped spinach. It will wilt almost instantly from the residual warmth. Now pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the parmesan, stirring gently until your sauce becomes smooth and luxurious. Finish with a shower of fresh basil and serve these Marry Me Butter Beans hot and bubbling!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Butter Beans
- Bloom the Spices: Let your seasonings sear gently in butter to fully unlock their flavors—don’t rush this part for restaurant-level depth.
- Use Good-Quality Beans: Look for canned butter beans that are firm and creamy, not mushy; rinse them well to keep the sauce from getting too salty.
- Tailor Your Sauce: Adjust the amount of broth to your desired sauce consistency—less for a thicker spread, more for a soupier vibe (amazing for dipping bread!).
- Add Cream Off the Heat: To avoid curdling and to keep things gloriously silky, always stir in your cream and cheese after turning off the burner.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans
Garnishes
Finish your Marry Me Butter Beans with extra parmesan, a flurry of fresh basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil. A crack of black pepper on top makes it feel utterly restaurant-worthy—and the color is irresistible!
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside toasted sourdough, a bowl of lemony rice, or piled over buttered noodles. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a zippy green salad or roasted asparagus adds balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your beans into shallow bowls for a rustic stew vibe, or layer them over bruschetta for a party appetizer. For a romantic meal, serve Marry Me Butter Beans in a big cast-iron skillet at the center of the table—family-style sharing is a must!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Butter Beans keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight, making it extra luscious—the flavors just deepen as they hang out together.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and parmesan, then stir them in fresh after reheating for the creamiest texture.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Be careful not to boil after adding dairy—just heat until everything is steamy and delicious!
FAQs
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Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just soak and cook the dried beans until tender ahead of time. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked butter beans to match the recipe—be sure to season them well as they cook for the best flavor.
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What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works wonderfully for a lighter sauce, or you can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will be a bit different, but the dish will still be ridiculously creamy and satisfying.
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Is Marry Me Butter Beans gluten free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or pasta. Always double-check your canned beans and broth to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients added.
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Can I add protein to make it a main course?
Definitely. Shredded rotisserie chicken, browned Italian sausage, or crispy bacon bits all mix in beautifully. You can also bulk up Marry Me Butter Beans with extra veggies or by serving with whole grains for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste Marry Me Butter Beans, you’ll see exactly why this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish earns its romantic name. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, one spoonful is all it takes to fall in love. Give them a try—you’ll be swept off your feet!
Print
Marry Me Butter Beans (With Creamy Tuscan Sauce) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Saute, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Butter Beans recipe features creamy Tuscan sauce with a perfect blend of flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Flavor Base:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Fillings:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained
Finish:
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Flavor Base: Heat butter, garlic, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a saute pan over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Fillings: Add sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and butter beans. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in spinach until wilted, then add heavy cream, parmesan, and basil. Serve warm with bread, rice, or pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
