This easy one-pan dinner combines simple ingredients for a delicious vegetarian meal that’s satisfying enough for both weeknights and special occasions.
This is creamy Marry me butter beans Made with a rich Tuscan-inspired sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and tender butter beans. This easy one-pan dinner combines simple ingredients for a delicious vegetarian meal that’s satisfying enough for both weeknights and special occasions.
A note from Kristen
I wanted to create my own vegetarian spin on the popular viral “Marry Me Chicken” and these creamy Tuscan-style butter beans turned out to be incredibly flavorful! I have made the recipe several times since I first tested it. These are the kinds of foods that can easily win over people who think they don’t like beans. The butter beans soak up the rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan and cream, creating lots of flavorful bites throughout the dish. I also added some additional ingredients that I think really enhanced the sauce, adding more depth without overcomplicating the recipe. Even better, everything comes together in one pan, making it an easy dinner I return to often. I hope you like it!
~ Kristen
What is “Marry Me” anyway?
“Marry Me” recipes are known for their rich, creamy sauces and bold flavors, often featuring ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and cream. The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it can inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite!
If you like this recipe, you might like mine Mary Mee Roasted Vegetable Medley.
Material notes
A few quick notes on the most important ingredients. Find the full ingredients list and instructions Recipe card below
How to Make Marry Be Butter Beans
01
Cook fragrantly
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes and crushed fennel seeds and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02
Add tomatoes
Add sun dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and slightly darker in color.
03
Add liquid
Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring until combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
04
Add the butter beans
Add butter beans and Italian seasoning. Boil for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Lightly mash some beans to help thicken the sauce.
05
Mix
Stir in spices, Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar.
06
Add the spinach
Add the spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
07
Add lemon
Remove from heat, then stir in lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
08
serve
Optionally drizzle with olive oil before serving. Enjoy warm!
A few favorite pairs
- Spoon over rice or quinoa.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast (to soak up the creamy Tuscan sauce!).
- Pair with fried vegetables or me Mediterranean cucumber salad.
- spoon over Creamy polenta.
- One of my favorite ways to serve these butter beans is in a crispy mozzarella quesadilla! It sounds unexpected, but it works incredibly well.
Tips for the Best Mary Mee Butter Beans
- Use tender butter beans that still keep their shape well for good texture.
- Drain and rinse the beans well before adding them to the skillet to remove excess salt and any of that metallic canned flavor.
- Add the heavy cream over low heat, stirring gently to help keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Don’t skip lightly mashing some butter beans while simmering! This helps thicken the sauce naturally and makes it extra creamy.
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Previously published On Chandpunandyum
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