If you’re a fan of cozy, creamy dishes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta or the quick and easy One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’re going to love this new twist—Marry Me Butter Beans. It’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, coming together in just 15 minutes using only one pan. This rich and satisfying recipe features tender butter beans, also known as lima beans, simmered in a garlicky, herb-infused sauce that tastes like it has been slow-cooked for hours. My family loves this dish just as much as the chicken versions because it’s creamy, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, wholesome meal in a hurry.
How to choose ingredients for one pot, Marry Me Butter Beans
To make Marry Me Butter Beans creamy, flavorful, and nourishing, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here’s what to look for:
Chili Flakes: Optional, but ideal for those who love a little extra heat. Add to taste.
Butter Beans (Lima Beans), Canned: Choose canned butter beans that are tender but not mushy. Low-sodium versions let you better control the seasoning. Always rinse and drain before using.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide rich, tangy depth. Look for ones that are soft, vibrant in color, and not overly dry.
Whipped or Double Cream: Use full-fat whipped or double cream for a smooth, luxurious sauce. Avoid light creams as they may separate.
Water: Just enough water is added to loosen the sauce—use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for quick wilting and bright color. If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
Kosher Salt: This type of salt is less processed and easier to control when seasoning. Avoid table salt, which can taste overly harsh.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver the best flavor—mince or crush to release their natural oils.
Shallots: Milder and slightly sweeter than onions, shallots add subtle depth to the dish. Choose ones that are firm and dry.
Italian Herbs + Savory: A classic Italian herb mix (like oregano, basil, thyme) pairs perfectly with beans. Savory is especially recommended for bean dishes—it not only enhances flavor but also helps with digestion.
Parmesan + Red Pepper Flakes: Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty richness, while red pepper flakes give a touch of heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the creaminess and brightens the entire dish.
Tips and Tricks for Marry Me Butter Beans
- Rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and any metallic taste. This keeps the sauce clean and creamy.
- They’re more flavorful and add richness to the dish. For extra depth, use a spoonful of the oil they’re packed in instead of regular olive oil when sautéing garlic and shallots.
- If your butter beans are cold (from the refrigerator) from the can, warm them gently in the pan first. This helps the cream blend smoothly without curdling.
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg enhances creamy sauces without overpowering. It works beautifully with beans and dairy.
- Let the finished dish sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken naturally and settle for a perfect creamy texture.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans Step-by-Step
Step 1: Drain and rinse the canned butter beans thoroughly. Thinly slice the sun-dried tomatoes and finely dice the shallot.
Tip: If you’re using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes (not stored in oil), soak them in warm water or olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking. This softens them, boosts their flavor, and releases their natural aroma.
Step 2: In a large skillet or pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add the diced shallot and sauté until soft and translucent—about 3–4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add the rinsed butter beans, a splash of water, and your herbs and spices (like Italian seasoning, savory, chili flakes, and kosher salt).
Stir well and let everything simmer together over low heat for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Add in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, double cream (or whipped cream), and grated Parmesan.
Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 5: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until it wilts and blends into the creamy sauce. Keep stirring gently so nothing sticks.
Step 6: After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken naturally and intensify in flavor.
Step 7: Serve your Marry Me Butter Beans hot, either on their own or with crusty baguette croutons, garlic bread, or warm flatbread for dipping. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up every last bite!
Enjoy!
Side to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans
Marry Me Butter Beans are best enjoyed with warm, crusty sides that soak up all that rich, creamy sauce. Garlic bread, crispy croutons, or toasted sourdough crusts make the perfect pairing. Flatbread or naan are also excellent choices for dipping and scooping every last bite.
If you’re craving something lighter or want to add more greens to the meal, serve it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced, satisfying plate.
How to store Marry Me Butter Beans
Marry Me Butter Beans store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
It’s best to store Marry Me Butter Beans in the refrigerator. First, allow the dish to cool completely to avoid excess condensation. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat this dish effectively, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. If you prefer to use the microwave, heat it in short intervals—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between until evenly heated.
Tip: The flavors actually deepen as the dish sits, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
If you love this recipe, you must try this
Marry Me Chicken Orzo (one pot recipe)
Spinach Chicken Mascarpone Pasta Sauce
Marry Me Butter Beans
Equipment
- 1 chopping board
- Sharp knife
- deep pan
Ingredients
- 2 can butter beans
- 5 pieces sundried tomatoes
- 1.5 cup water This is an approximate value, it may be a little less/a little more, it depends on how thick you want the sauce to be.
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 3 cloves garlic
- handful spinach
- 1 pieces shallot
- 1 tsp italian herbs
- 1 tsp savory optional, but if you want the dish to be easily digestible, it is worth adding it.
- 1/3 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper powder
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Boil all ingredients you’ll need to cook with (such as water or cream if pre-warming).Drain and rinse the canned butter beans thoroughly.Thinly slice the sun-dried tomatoes and finely dice the shallot.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-low heat.Add the diced shallot and sauté until soft and translucent—about 3–4 minutes.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the rinsed butter beans, a splash of water, and your herbs and spices (like Italian seasoning, savory, chili flakes, and kosher salt).Stir well and let everything simmer together over low heat for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, double cream (or whipped cream), and grated Parmesan.Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until it wilts and blends into the creamy sauce. Keep stirring gently so nothing sticks.
- Serve your Marry Me Butter Beans hot, either on their own or with crusty baguette croutons, garlic bread, or warm flatbread for dipping. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up every last bite!Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans, but they must be soaked and fully cooked before using. Canned butter beans are quicker and more convenient, especially for a 15-minute meal.
Can I make Marry Me Butter Beans dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream, oat cream, or full-fat coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
The base recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, use dairy-free cream and skip or replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or Nutritional yeast.
Can I freeze Marry Me Butter Beans?
You can freeze this dish, but the cream sauce may slightly separate when reheated. For best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly with a splash of cream or water.
What proteins can I add to this dish?
This recipe is filling on its own, but you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or pancetta for extra protein. Chickpeas also work well for a vegetarian boost.
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free bread if needed.