Marry Me Butter Beans

5

Marry Me Butter Beans are a creamy, comforting vegetarian twist on the famous “Marry Me Chicken.” Tender butter beans (large lima beans) are simmered in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and Italian herbs—a cozy dish that’s full of flavor and perfect with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium shallot or small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add shallot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
   • Add garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add the beans and tomatoes.
   • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and butter beans.
   • Cook for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Create the creamy sauce.
   • Add vegetable broth and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
   • Lightly mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to naturally thicken the sauce.
4. Make it creamy.
   • Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
   • Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until rich and velvety.
5. Finish the dish.
   • Add spinach and cook until wilted.
   • Stir in lemon juice.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

• 🥖 Crusty sourdough bread for dipping
• 🍝 Over pasta
• 🍚 With rice or quinoa
• 🥔 Spoon over baked potatoes
• 🥗 With a fresh green salad

Optional Add-Ins

• Mushrooms for extra savory flavor
• Artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist
• Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein
• Kale instead of spinach
• A splash of white wine for depth

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (cream sauce may change slightly in texture).
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Butter Beans

• Use good-quality Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Mash a few beans into the sauce to make it naturally creamy.
• Don’t boil after adding cream—keep the heat gentle to prevent separation.

This dish is creamy, garlicky, savory, and surprisingly luxurious—a simple bean recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality comfort meal. 🫘✨