If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, flavorful, one-pan marvel comes together quickly, with every bite bursting with rich tomato, tender butter beans, and vibrant spinach, all finished with a sunny hit of parmesan and basil. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for busy nights or anytime you want to impress without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new go-to recipe for cozy, satisfying meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl in the center is full of light beige butter beans piled high with a smooth texture. To the top right, a glass jar with yellow broth sits next to a white spoon holding deep red sun-dried tomatoes with a wrinkled look. Below them, a small white bowl contains a rich red tomato paste with a thick, smooth texture. On the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with dark green fresh spinach leaves, slightly crumpled. Around the center bowl, there are small piles and containers: a white cup of white heavy cream on the top left, a wedge of pale yellow Parmesan cheese next to it, a whole bright yellow lemon to the left, two cloves of garlic below the lemon, a small spoon of red pepper flakes with a few flakes scattered, a mini bowl of dried oregano with a fine texture, a few fresh green basil leaves, and a small glass container of golden olive oil (EVOO) near the green herbs, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting its luscious texture and bright, savory flavor. From the silky olive oil that starts the base to the punch of sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy finish of parmesan, every component works together harmoniously.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a flavorful base and adds richness as you sauté the garlic and spices.
2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic delivers aromatic depth and a touch of savory warmth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick, balancing the creamy and tangy elements.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: Brings concentrated sweetness and richness to the sauce.
2 cans butter beans (15 oz / 400 g each) or 3 cups cooked beans: The star ingredient, tender and creamy, giving the dish body and a soulful texture.
1½ cups vegetable or chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses savory flavor.
½ cup heavy cream or half and half: Creates that irresistible creamy sauce that coats every bean perfectly.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
5 ounces spinach (about 5 cups): Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a bit of earthiness.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained from the oil): Provides bursts of tangy sweetness and chewiness for texture contrast.
½ cup grated parmesan: Adds salty, nutty umami, making the dish irresistibly savory.
1 handful basil leaves + lemon zest: The fresh, bright finishing touches that lift the whole dish.
½ teaspoon salt + black pepper: Essential seasoning to make every flavor pop.

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant for about 30 seconds — this awakens the flavors wonderfully. Then stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute, releasing its rich, sweet aroma that forms the dish’s deep flavor foundation.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Broth

Next, toss in the drained butter beans along with salt and pepper, ensuring each bean gets coated in that luscious base. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes — this softens the beans further and thickens the sauce, coaxing all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Turn the heat down and stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and spinach. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce reaches a silky, creamy consistency. This step transforms the dish from hearty to luxuriously smooth, wrapping every bite in comforting creaminess.

Step 4: Finish and Serve the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated parmesan. Give everything a taste and adjust seasoning if needed — a little more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Serving is simple but special: garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest, which bring a refreshing brightness that perfectly balances the richness.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

This image shows a thick, creamy orange sauce with large, soft white beans mixed in. There are wilted dark green spinach leaves spread throughout the dish, adding texture and color contrast. Small pieces of what looks like cooked red tomatoes or peppers are scattered around. A silver spoon is scooping up some beans and spinach from the creamy sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and lemon zest are your best friends here. Basil brightens the dish with herbal notes, while lemon zest adds a spirited citrus kick that cuts through the creaminess, making each forkful vibrant and fresh. Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Crusty artisan bread is the classic choice, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast, and roasted vegetables or grilled meats can elevate this butter bean dish into a full, satisfying dinner party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the beans over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. For a fresh summer touch, try spooning the mixture over toasted ciabatta slices as a bruschetta-inspired appetizer. The vibrant colors and textures make this recipe ideal for stylish plating that impresses guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Butter Beans store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more, than when freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or bag, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and refresh its creamy texture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe?

Absolutely! While butter beans have a creamy texture that works perfectly here, you can substitute cannellini or great northern beans. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the beans’ tenderness.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream for that luscious texture, and use a dairy-free parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep the dish flavorful while making it vegan-friendly.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the creamy elements without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the amount—or omit it altogether—based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare the base ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sautéed garlic and tomato paste base in advance and store it in the fridge for a day. When ready to cook, just add the beans, broth, and remaining ingredients to finish the dish quickly.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes can be lightly roasted or sautéed to offer a similar burst of sweetness and texture, though sun-dried tomatoes provide a unique, concentrated flavor that really enhances this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet treated yourself to the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe, now is the perfect time. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a bit of love, you get a creamy, heartwarming meal that feels like a little celebration in every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that sticks with you—easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and deeply satisfying all year round. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!

Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe