Description
These Marry Me Butter Beans are a vegetarian twist on the viral chicken dinner that took the internet by storm. Tender, creamy beans are bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce that is so delicious, it might just warrant a proposal. With a velvety texture and a savory, slightly spicy kick, this 10-minute meal is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1/2 to 1 cup (120–240ml) vegetable broth (adjust for desired thickness)
- 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans (lima beans), drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Make the Flavor Base
In a large sauté pan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are toasted (bloomed).
Simmer Fillings
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 to 1 cup of vegetable broth (start with less, add more if you like it soupier), and the drained butter beans. Cook uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes to allow the beans to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Finish the Sauce
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it wilts from the residual heat. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Serve
Serve warm immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread, over rice, or tossed with pasta.
Notes
Prevent Curdling: It is crucial to remove the pan from the heat before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. If the sauce is boiling when you add the dairy, it can separate. The residual heat is sufficient to warm the cream and melt the cheese.
Toast the Spices: Don’t skip the initial sauté step. Cooking the spices in the butter (blooming) releases their essential oils, creating a much deeper flavor profile than adding them at the end.
Broth Consistency: Start with 1/2 cup of broth for a thicker, stew-like consistency. If you plan to serve this over rice or want more sauce to dip bread into, use the full cup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: marry me beans, butter beans recipe, vegetarian marry me sauce, creamy beans, 10 minute dinner, tuscan butter beans, easy vegetarian meal