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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This creamy, flavorful skillet meal brings together tender butter beans with sun-dried tomatoes, a luscious tomato-cream sauce, and fresh basil to brighten every bite. It’s deceptively simple yet utterly satisfying—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting vegetarian dinner. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for quick, heartwarming meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the balance of flavor and texture in this dish. These essentials are straightforward but each one adds a crucial layer of taste—from the aromatic garlic to the creamy Parmesan and the zingy sun-dried tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A rich base that carries the garlic and tomato paste flavors beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick if you like a hint of heat.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that layers in that signature Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that deepens the sauce’s richness.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Sweet and tangy bursts that lift every mouthful.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: The savory liquid that brings everything together with perfect moisture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that coats the beans lovingly.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed: The star of the show offering creamy texture and protein.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce providing sharp, salty depth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to elevate and balance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds an herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the warm oil and sauté for about 30 seconds. This quick step releases the garlic’s aroma and infuses the oil with a subtle spicy note—setting the stage for all the layers of flavor ahead.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
Next, stir in the dried Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for about a minute. This allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, unlocking a rich, deep tomato flavor that’s essential for the sauce’s complexity.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth
Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. These sun-dried tomatoes add a natural sweetness and concentrated tomato taste that lifts the whole dish from ordinary to exceptional.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream for a velvety texture that transforms this into a satisfyingly creamy skillet meal. The cream mellows the acidity of the tomatoes and ensures every bean is coated in luscious richness.
Step 5: Cook the Butter Beans
Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the sauce. Let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step thickens the sauce and gently heats the beans, allowing them to soak up those deep flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, enriching it with a slightly nutty, salty finish. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste—this final touch pulls all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top just before serving. The basil adds a bright, herbaceous contrast that lifts the richness and brings the dish alive, making it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the star garnish here, adding its aromatic charm, but you can also consider a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little extra zing if you like.
Side Dishes
This butter bean skillet pairs beautifully with crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce, fluffy steamed rice, or a simple pasta for a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve it in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. You can also create a vibrant plate by adding a side salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness, making your Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe dinner both colorful and balanced.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can happen when everyone wants seconds), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, fresh basil is best added fresh after thawing, so save some to sprinkle on when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce a bit as it warms back up and regain that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. This keeps the creamy texture and cheesy flavor without any dairy.
What if I can’t find butter beans?
Great substitutes include cannellini beans or large white beans. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them perfect stand-ins for a delicious Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat is mild and optional since the recipe only uses a small amount of red pepper flakes. You can skip them entirely or increase for more spice, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Greens like spinach or kale stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking add vibrant color and nutrients, making the dish even more wholesome without overpowering the core flavors.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This recipe is impressively quick, with just about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and fast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy yet unforgettable dish. Its creamy texture, layered flavors, and simple ingredients make it a true kitchen winner. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people feel compelled to share it with those they love. Go ahead—make this recipe your new comfort food obsession; it’s ready to become a household favorite!
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Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, flavorful vegetarian main course featuring tender butter beans simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired skillet dish is quick to prepare on the stovetop and offers comforting, hearty flavors perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Butter Beans and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Simmer with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cream.
- Add Butter Beans and Thicken Sauce: Add the drained butter beans and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beans are heated through.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
