Creamy, cozy, and wildly irresistible — these Marry Me Butter Beans might just win someone’s heart. Whether you’re feeding your partner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a comforting weeknight meal, this Tuscan-inspired twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” is full of love, warmth, and flavor.
What Are Marry Me Butter Beans?
This creamy dish takes the soul-satisfying richness of the famous “Marry Me Chicken” and swaps the poultry for silky, tender butter beans. It’s everything you love about Tuscan cooking — sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and aromatic herbs — simmered in a luscious cream sauce that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty sourdough bread.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for date night. And yes, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. 💍
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes, including prep!
- No Chicken? No Problem!: This plant-forward meal is satisfying, comforting, and packed with protein — no meat needed.
- Date-Night Approved: Elegant enough for romantic dinners, dinner parties, or impressing guests.
- Leftovers You’ll Crave: It reheats beautifully and might even taste better the next day.
- Gluten-Free & Vegetarian: Easily adaptable to vegan diets too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter Beans – Two cans of creamy, hearty lima beans.
- Olive Oil – Use high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Garlic – Sliced, not minced, for that signature Tuscan touch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Packed in oil for extra richness.
- Smoked Paprika & Oregano – Adds warmth and depth.
- Tomato Paste – Intensifies the umami base.
- Vegetable Broth – Builds the savory foundation of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Makes it irresistibly creamy (swap with oat cream for dairy-free).
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, stirred in and sprinkled on top.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but they bring a subtle kick.
- Fresh Basil – The final flourish of flavor and color.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic & Spices
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but don’t brown the garlic).
- Build the Flavor Base
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often to meld all the aromatics.
- Simmer the Beans
Stir in the butter beans and coat them with the sauce. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cream & Cheese, Please!
Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer gently for another 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens into creamy perfection.
Too thick? Add a splash of boiling water or more broth.
Too thin? Simmer a few minutes longer — the beans will help thicken it.
- Finish & Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Serve hot with toasted sourdough, French bread, or even over rice or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 With Toasted Bread – Crusty sourdough or garlic baguette is a must for scooping up that luscious sauce.
- 🍝 Over Pasta – Try it over rigatoni or pappardelle for a creamy, protein-packed vegetarian pasta.
- 🥗 Next to a Simple Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad cuts the richness perfectly.
- 🌱 With Roasted Veggies – Roasted carrots, broccolini, or asparagus are perfect sides.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic – It should be fragrant, not browned. Burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Make it Vegan – Use a dairy-free cream and a vegan hard cheese like Violife to keep the creamy texture without the dairy.
- Try Cannellini Beans – If you don’t have butter beans, white cannellini or great northern beans work well.
- Add Spinach – Stir in a handful of baby spinach in the final 2 minutes for a boost of greens.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in short bursts.
FAQ
What are butter beans?
Butter beans are mature lima beans. They have a soft, creamy texture and are perfect for soaking up rich sauces like this one.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before starting the recipe. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked beans.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — in fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making this for a partner, a friend, or just yourself, Marry Me Butter Beans deliver the kind of comforting, craveable, “you’ve gotta try this!” experience we all need more of. One bite of this creamy, Tuscan-inspired goodness and you’ll understand how it got its name.
Love at first bite? Leave a comment or share this recipe with someone who needs a little culinary romance.
