If you’re in the mood for a simple yet absolutely irresistible dish, then this Marry Me Butter Beans recipe is about to steal your heart! Seriously, these buttery beans are so good, they might just have you saying, “I do.” Imagine a bowl of tender butter beans swimming in a creamy, garlicky sauce, all seasoned to perfection with a touch of heat and herbs. Trust me, this one’s a keeper—perfect as a side or even the star of the show.
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Why You’ll Love Marry Me Butter Beans
This dish isn’t just about the buttery beans—it’s about the cozy comfort of rich, savory flavors that hit all the right spots. Here’s why you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds):
Quick and Easy: This recipe is super simple to pull together. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful dish that’s ready to serve. No fuss, just fantastic flavor.
Comforting: With every spoonful, you’ll feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in a warm, delicious hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to sit down, relax, and savor each bite.
Versatile: You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with a protein, or serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. It works for any meal, any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Butter beans are affordable and pack a ton of flavor without costing a fortune. Perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without breaking the bank.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving this at a family dinner or as part of a larger spread at a gathering, these beans are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Everyone loves a good, hearty dish, and this one definitely delivers.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into what makes these Marry Me Butter Beans so delicious:
Butter Beans: These creamy beans are the star of the dish. Their smooth, buttery texture makes them perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh, fragrant garlic is a must for that deep, savory base flavor that you can’t get enough of.
Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps create that beautiful sauce.
Chicken Broth: For a savory, flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
Heavy Cream: The key to making this sauce luxuriously creamy and irresistible.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat goes a long way! The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that balances perfectly with the creamy beans.
Salt & Pepper: A little seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the butter beans.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s walk through how to bring these butter beans to life:
Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Add the Butter Beans: Stir in the butter beans and cook for a couple of minutes, letting them soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so the beans can soak up the flavors and get nice and tender.
Stir in the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken and become velvety.
Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss in the fresh thyme and give everything a good stir to combine.
Simmer: Let the beans simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and become even creamier.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is nice and creamy, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm and watch everyone fall in love with this dish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your meal:
Grilled Chicken or Fish: Serve these creamy butter beans alongside your favorite protein for a complete, satisfying meal.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread! A piece of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all the rich sauce.
Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy beans.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus complement the richness of the butter beans while adding a nutritious boost.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Marry Me Butter Beans turn out perfect:
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes a difference in this dish. It infuses the oil with flavor and creates a base for that amazing sauce.
Add More Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick.
Double the Batch: These beans make excellent leftovers, so consider making extra for an easy meal the next day. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen butter beans?
A1: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them before using them in this recipe. Frozen beans work just as well as fresh ones.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute to make the dish completely dairy-free.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to ramp up the heat.
Q6: Can I use dried butter beans?
A6: Yes, you can use dried butter beans, but you’ll need to cook them first. Soak and cook them until tender before following the recipe.
Q7: What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
A7: No worries! You can use dried thyme instead—just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q8: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can! Just prepare the beans and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q9: How do I know when the butter beans are done?
A9: The beans are done when they are tender and have absorbed the creamy sauce, but still retain their shape.
Q10: Can I make this a vegan dish?
A10: Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and the heavy cream for a plant-based cream substitute.
Conclusion
Marry Me Butter Beans are the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations. So go ahead, make these buttery beans, and prepare to fall in love!
Print
Marry Me Butter Beans
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a 20-minute vegetarian dish full of Tuscan-inspired flavors with a creamy, irresistible sauce. Butter beans cooked in vegetable broth, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes create a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, grated
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (or 3 cups cooked beans)
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1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream)
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/3 cup grated parmesan (or more to taste)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 cups spinach
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1 handful basil leaves + lemon zest for garnish
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1/2 teaspoon salt + black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add the grated garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
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Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add 2 cans (15 oz each) of butter beans (drained and rinsed). Season with ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute.
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Pour in 1½ cups vegetable broth and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the beans to become tender and creamy as they release starch into the sauce.
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Add ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 cups spinach. Simmer for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the dish becomes creamy.
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Turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ⅓ cup grated parmesan.
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Serve directly from the skillet, or serve on a slice of garlic-rubbed rustic bread.
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Garnish with more grated parmesan, basil leaves, and lemon zest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: V
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg