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
Scale
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.
