Name: Marry Me Butter Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for serving; Toasted sourdough baguette, for serving (optional)

Marry Me Butter Beans are rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor—ready in just 25 minutes. This comforting dish features tender butter beans simmered in a savory tomato cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough to win hearts over. Pair with crusty bread and you’ve got a cozy, irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These butter beans are incredibly satisfying and come together quickly in one pot, making them perfect for busy nights or a last-minute date dinner. The creamy tomato-parmesan sauce is infused with oregano, paprika, and garlic, giving it layers of flavor. Serve with warm sourdough or a crisp salad—it’s versatile, comforting, and always a hit.

Marry Me Butter Beans

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
garlic cloves (sliced)
red pepper flakes
sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
smoked paprika
dried oregano
tomato paste
butter beans (drained and rinsed)
vegetable broth
heavy cream
grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the mixture is thick and aromatic.
Stir in the butter beans, coating them well in the tomato mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water to loosen it.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Serve hot with toasted sourdough or your favorite crusty bread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream and plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before adding the cream for a Tuscan-style twist.
Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Cheese lovers: Stir in mozzarella or a spoonful of ricotta before serving for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
To freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What are butter beans?

Butter beans are large, creamy lima beans. They’re mild in flavor and perfect for soaking up sauces.

Can I use dried butter beans?

Yes, but they must be soaked and cooked ahead of time. This recipe is designed for canned beans for speed and ease.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best bread to serve with this?

Toasted sourdough, baguette slices, or crusty Italian bread are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Zucchini, spinach, or chopped tomatoes would all be great additions.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to pair it with gluten-free bread if needed.

Can I use another type of bean?

Cannellini beans or great northern beans work well if you don’t have butter beans.

Is this a main dish or a side?

It works as both! Serve it on its own with bread or as a side dish to chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately.

Conclusion

Marry Me Butter Beans are the kind of dish that turns humble pantry ingredients into something special. Creamy, flavorful, and fast, they’re ideal for a romantic dinner, a cozy solo night in, or an impressive side dish. Once you taste the rich tomato-parmesan sauce with those tender beans, you’ll understand why it’s love at first bite.