Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
Every now and then, I stumble upon a recipe that feels like love at first bite—warm, comforting, flavorful, and somehow deeply emotional. That’s exactly what happened the first time I created this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe. If you’ve tried “Marry Me Chicken,” you already know the magic of sundried tomatoes, cream, garlic, and spices all simmered together into a sauce so delicious it could win anyone’s heart. But turning that beloved concept into a plant-forward, protein-rich, one-pot bean dish? That’s a level of cozy I didn’t know I needed.
The first time I made this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe, it was a rainy Sunday evening when all I wanted was something creamy and comforting without spending an hour in the kitchen. I opened my pantry, spotted a can of butter beans, and knew exactly what to do. Within 30 minutes, I was standing over the stove tasting a simmering pot of velvety sauce, thick beans, and rich seasonings—and I swear I said “oh my goodness” out loud.
These Marry Me Butter Beans are luscious, aromatic, slightly tangy from the sundried tomatoes, and wonderfully creamy. They work as a main dish, a side, a cozy lunch, or even a brunch option. And the best part? It all cooks in one pot, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process.
Whether you’re vegetarian, looking to eat more plant-based dinners, or simply craving a warm and comforting meal, this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe will become one of your favorites. Let’s dive in!
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Ingredients for One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe makes 4 hearty servings.
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice tolerance)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- Extra Parmesan
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is effortless. Everything cooks in the same pot, and the flavors build beautifully step by step.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Already the kitchen begins to smell delicious.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the spices:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Basil
Let them bloom in the oil for 30 seconds. This intensifies their flavor and deepens the final dish.
Step 3: Add the Sundried Tomatoes
Stir in sundried tomatoes.
Cook for 1 minute to soften and release their oil.
Their sweetness and tanginess are key to the “Marry Me” flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cream
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the heavy cream and stir gently until fully incorporated.
Let everything simmer for 3–5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Butter Beans
Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans.
Let them simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The beans absorb the flavors and help thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan until melted.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
The sauce becomes silky, rich, and completely irresistible.
Step 7: Add Greens (Optional)
If using spinach or kale, stir it in now until wilted.
Step 8: Finish with Lemon (Optional but recommended)
A splash of lemon brightens the dish and balances the creaminess beautifully.
Your One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is ready!
How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
This dish is wonderfully versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways.
1. With Crusty Bread
The classic way—grab a warm loaf of sourdough or ciabatta and dip away.
Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
2. Over Rice
White rice, jasmine rice, or basmati work beautifully.
The creamy sauce coats every grain.
3. Over Pasta
Use:
- Pappardelle
- Fettuccine
- Penne
It becomes a luxurious vegetarian pasta dish.
4. With Mashed Potatoes
Extra comfort on a cold night.
Creamy sauce + soft potatoes = heaven.
5. With Roasted Vegetables
Especially:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
The sauce acts as a velvety drizzle.
6. As a Main or Side Dish
Serve:
- As the main entrée with bread or rice
- As a side dish to chicken, fish, or pork
- As a cozy vegetarian lunch
Pro Tips for Perfect One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Even though this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is simple, these tips take it from great to extraordinary.
1. Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes
They add more depth and richness than dry-packed ones.
2. Don’t rush the simmer
Allowing the sauce to cook slowly ensures it thickens and becomes velvety.
3. Taste as you go
Butter beans are mild; seasoning well is key.
4. Add lemon
Even just a teaspoon brightens the dish significantly.
5. Parmesan is key
It thickens the sauce and adds savory umami.
For dairy-free, use coconut cream + nutritional yeast.
6. Use good-quality broth
A flavorful broth elevates the entire dish.
7. Add spinach for extra nutrition
It wilts quickly and adds color, texture, and vitamins.
8. Serve immediately
Cream-based sauces thicken as they cool.
Add a splash of broth if reheating.
Variations
The beauty of this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is how easily you can customize it.
1. Dairy-Free “Marry Me” Butter Beans
Replace:
- Heavy cream → coconut cream
- Parmesan → nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan
Still creamy and delicious.
2. Spicy Marry Me Butter Beans
Add:
- 1–2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste
- Extra red pepper flakes
- A pinch of cayenne
Perfect for spice lovers.
3. Marry Me Chicken and Butter Beans
Add cooked chicken breast or thighs directly into the sauce.
A great way to stretch leftovers.
4. Marry Me Butter Bean Pasta
Add cooked pasta directly to the pot.
Thin sauce with pasta water.
5. Marry Me Butter Beans with Spinach & Artichokes
Add:
- 1 cup canned artichokes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
A Mediterranean-inspired twist.
6. Marry Me Butter Beans with Sausage
Use:
- Italian sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Vegan sausage
Brown first, then continue with the recipe.
7. Tomato-Forward Version
Use:
- More sundried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- Extra broth if needed
Tangier and richer.
8. Extra Creamy Version
Stir in:
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup extra Parmesan
It becomes almost like a thick stew—lush and decadent.
9. Lemon Herb Butter Beans
Swap creamy ingredients for:
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, basil, dill
A lighter, spring-inspired variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried butter beans?
Yes, but they must be cooked first.
Canned beans are faster and creamier.
2. Can I use a different type of bean?
Absolutely. Try:
- Cannellini beans
- White kidney beans
- Chickpeas
Butter beans are the creamiest, but any white bean works.
3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes!
To make it vegan, use coconut cream + vegan Parmesan.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
The sauce thickens in the fridge—reheat with a splash of broth.
5. Can I freeze Marry Me Butter Beans?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
6. Can I make this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe ahead of time?
Yes—it reheats beautifully.
Add a little broth or cream to revive the sauce.
7. Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Add:
- Chicken
- Sausage
- Shrimp
- Tofu
Anything works with this sauce.
8. Do the leftovers taste good?
They taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
9. Can I make this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
10. Can I make this low-carb?
It’s already low-carb, especially if served with vegetables instead of bread or rice.
Final Thoughts
These One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe are one of those magical recipes that turn simple pantry staples into a comforting, crave-worthy, deeply flavorful meal. They’re creamy, comforting, cozy, and versatile enough to serve for dinner, meal prep, or even an elegant vegetarian entrée.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet night, feeding your family, or looking to impress someone special, this dish delivers every single time. It’s rich without being heavy, plant-forward but deeply satisfying, and packed with the kinds of flavors that make people say, “Wow…this is incredible.”
Once you try this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe, it might just become your new weeknight staple—or the dish you make when you want someone to fall head over heels.