Name: Marry Me Butter Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds a rich base for sautéing and helps release the spices’ aromas for deeper flavor.; 4 cloves garlic, minced Provides a bold, aromatic punch that forms the heart of the dish’s savory taste.; ½ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors and balances the creamy elements without overwhelming them.; ½ teaspoon oregano Brings a hint of earthy herbs that complement the Tuscan vibe and add a fresh twist.; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Offers a gentle kick of heat, making the dish exciting and full of character.; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Infuses a smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor profile beautifully.; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Adds a subtle sharpness that ties all the seasonings together.; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped Contributes a sweet, tangy bite that brightens the creamy sauce and adds texture.; ½ to 1 cup vegetable broth Acts as the liquid base; use less for a thicker sauce or more for a lighter one, adjusting to your preference.; 2 15-ounce cans butter beans (also labeled as lima beans), drained The star of the show, providing creamy texture and plenty of plant-based protein for a satisfying meal.; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach Wilts in quickly to add a pop of color and nutrients, boosting the dish’s freshness and health benefits.; 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or dairy-free options like canned coconut milk or vegan heavy cream) Creates that luxurious, creamy sauce; opt for dairy-free swaps to keep it vegan-friendly.; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (can substitute vegan parmesan) Melts in for a cheesy richness; vegan versions ensure everyone can enjoy it.; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Freshens up the dish at the end, adding a burst of herbal notes that make it irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds a rich base for sautéing and helps release the spices’ aromas for deeper flavor.

4 cloves garlic, minced Provides a bold, aromatic punch that forms the heart of the dish’s savory taste.

½ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors and balances the creamy elements without overwhelming them.

½ teaspoon oregano Brings a hint of earthy herbs that complement the Tuscan vibe and add a fresh twist.

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Offers a gentle kick of heat, making the dish exciting and full of character.

½ teaspoon smoked paprika Infuses a smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor profile beautifully.

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Adds a subtle sharpness that ties all the seasonings together.

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped Contributes a sweet, tangy bite that brightens the creamy sauce and adds texture.

½ to 1 cup vegetable broth Acts as the liquid base; use less for a thicker sauce or more for a lighter one, adjusting to your preference.

2 15-ounce cans butter beans (also labeled as lima beans), drained The star of the show, providing creamy texture and plenty of plant-based protein for a satisfying meal.

1 cup chopped fresh spinach Wilts in quickly to add a pop of color and nutrients, boosting the dish’s freshness and health benefits.

1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half or dairy-free options like canned coconut milk or vegan heavy cream) Creates that luxurious, creamy sauce; opt for dairy-free swaps to keep it vegan-friendly.

½ cup grated parmesan cheese (can substitute vegan parmesan) Melts in for a cheesy richness; vegan versions ensure everyone can enjoy it.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Freshens up the dish at the end, adding a burst of herbal notes that make it irresistible.

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Instructions

1-First Step: Sauté the Base Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook this mix for about 2 minutes until the garlic smells amazing and the spices start to bloom. This step builds a flavorful foundation, and you can adjust the heat if you’re making it for kids or spice-lovers.

2-Second Step: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans Once your base is fragrant, stir in ½ cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ½ to 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 2 15-ounce cans of drained butter beans. Let everything simmer uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle. For a vegan twist, remember to use vegetable broth as your base to keep things plant-friendly, and this is where you can adapt the broth amount for a thicker or looser sauce based on your preference.

3-Third Step: Wilt the Spinach Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach until it wilts down, which only takes a minute or two. This adds a fresh, green element to the dish, boosting its nutritional value with vitamins and color. If you’re aiming for extra veggies, this is a great spot to toss in things like zucchini for added crunch, making it even more adaptable for different diets.

4-Fourth Step: Finish with Cream and Cheese Now, mix in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Stir well until everything combines into a creamy sauce, then take it off the heat to serve warm. For dairy-free options, substitute with coconut milk and vegan parmesan to maintain that creamy goodness while catering to vegan needs. This step ensures the dish is rich and ready to enjoy, and it’s perfect for reheating if you have leftovers.

5-Fifth Step: Serve and Enjoy Serve your Marry Me Butter Beans right away with options like bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce. Each serving clocks in at about 441 calories, making it a balanced choice for a quick meal. For the best taste, pair it with simple sides, and remember, this whole process takes just 10 minutes of cooking time, so it’s ideal for busy schedules or last-minute dinners.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧄 Cook spices in butter first to release their aromas and deepen flavors.
🥄 Adjust vegetable broth quantity for desired sauce consistency (½ cup for thicker, 1 cup for looser sauce).
🌿 Adapt for dairy-free/vegan by using coconut cream and vegan parmesan; add crispy tofu or extra veggies for variation.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 441
Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 952 mg
Fat: 21.9 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48.7 g
Fiber: 5.7 g
Protein: 16.8 g
Cholesterol: 71 mg