Have you ever had one of those meals that you just can’t stop thinking about? That’s exactly how I feel about this Marry Me Butter Beans recipe. After whipping it up for dinner last week, I was immediately head-over-heels.
The tender butter beans bathed in a luscious sun-dried tomato and basil cream sauce are absolutely irresistible. What I love most is how easy it is to make this dish while feeling special enough for guests. Trust me, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that delivers both nourishment and flavor in every bite. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Making Marry Me Butter Beans is an absolute win, and here’s why.
Packed with Flavor and Nutrition
This dish is infused with rich, savory flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, vegan Parmesan, and cashew cream, while also being loaded with protein and fiber from the butter beans.
Simple and Quick
With just one pot and under an hour, you can create a satisfying meal. This is one of those recipes you can rely on during a busy weeknight.
Customizable for Every Taste
From adjusting spice levels to swapping greens, it’s easy to make this dish your own.
Vegan and Budget-Friendly
Using simple, plant-based pantry staples like beans, kale, and tomato paste keeps it affordable and accessible.
Cooking Time
This recipe doesn’t take much time, and here’s how it breaks down:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy recipe:
- Olive oil
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Calabrian chili paste (optional)
- Butter beans
- Kale
- Vegetable broth
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Cashew cream
- Vegan Parmesan
- Fresh basil
- Lemon juice
Variations
It’s easy to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: This recipe is already dairy-free, but you can swap cashew cream for coconut milk or oat cream.
- No Heat? Skip the Calabrian chili paste for a milder flavor.
- Extra Protein? Add crispy baked tofu cubes to the dish.
- Tomato Options: Use cherry tomatoes as a substitute for sun-dried ones.
- Greens Swap: Replace the kale with spinach or Swiss chard.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential for this recipe:
- Large Skillet – To cook everything in one pan.
- Sharp Knife – For chopping veggies like shallots, garlic, and kale.
- Blender or Food Processor – To make the cashew cream silky smooth.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the sauce and ingredients together.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans?
Making this recipe is so straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring it to life.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics 🌱
Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add Calabrian chili paste (if using), finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, and paprika. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the shallots are soft.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes 🍅
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Use your spoon to break the tomato paste apart. Cook for 2 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
Step 3: Simmer the Base 🥬
Pour in your vegetable broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning. Add the drained butter beans and kale. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the kale a chance to wilt.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream 🥥
Now, add the cashew cream and vegan Parmesan to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes creamy and thick. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Brightness 🍋
For the finishing touch, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped basil over the top. Taste the dish and adjust the salt as needed.
Grab a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’re ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cashew Cream Hack: If you’re short on time, use store-bought nondairy cream. Almond or oat cream works well too.
- Perfect Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or more broth.
- Ingredient Prep: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to keep the process smooth.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans?
Serving this dish can elevate the presentation and taste. Try these tips for the best experience.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or a garlic baguette for dipping.
- Pasta or Rice: Pour the creamy beans over cooked pasta or fluffy white rice.
- Garnishes: Top with more fresh basil or vegan Parmesan shreds for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional profile for this dish per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~22g
Balanced and satisfying, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how you can store it.
Marry Me Butter Beans will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. To store, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water to thin out the sauce if needed.
For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions. Once frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This dish freezes wonderfully, maintaining its creamy texture and bold flavors.