If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is your new best friend. This creamy, hearty recipe combines tender butter beans with fragrant herbs and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making it both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something deliciously simple, this dish promises to captivate with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture. From aromatic herbs to creamy Parmesan, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both rustic and refined.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base that gently sautés the aromatics and brings everything together.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, creating a beautiful foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant punch that awakens the palate.
- Dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with the beans’ creaminess.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a piney, herbal note that enhances the overall aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth with its vibrant color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a touch of heat that balances the richness without overpowering.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that softens the beans and carries all those spices.
- Butter beans, drained and rinsed: Tender, buttery beans that give the dish heart and creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, indulgent sauce that wraps the beans in comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a salty, nutty depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to adjust and enhance every flavor note.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish before serving.
How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Heat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. This creates a lovely base to build your flavors. Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook it gently for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness that perfectly complements the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Once the onion has softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two until fragrant. This quick step awakens the senses and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. After that, sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, mixing everything well so the spices coat the onions and garlic evenly.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This simmering not only softens the beans but also allows the spices to seep deeply into the liquid. Add the butter beans—drained and rinsed—to the skillet and stir carefully to incorporate them without breaking them apart. Let everything simmer together for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully and the broth reduces slightly.
Step 4: Creamy Finish with Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops every bean. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and invites an irresistible savory depth into the sauce. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting it as you go so the flavors dance just right.
Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish to add a burst of color and freshness, balancing the creaminess. Serve your Marry Me Butter Beans hot, and prepare to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also add a little extra grated Parmesan for an added cheesy punch or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a pop of color and spice if you like a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter balance. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring great texture and earthiness, complementing the smoothness of the beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the Marry Me Butter Beans in small ramekins garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. You can also layer the beans over creamy polenta or serve alongside grilled meats for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Because of the cream and cheese, the texture may slightly change upon thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring back most of its creamy glory.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the beans gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick, so it returns to that silky consistency you love. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak them overnight and cook them fully before using in the recipe, as dried beans take longer to soften compared to canned ones.
Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese and cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative to keep this recipe vegan without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is the Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe?
The spice level is mild with a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, but you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste by adding more or less of the flakes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a vegetable broth that does not contain gluten. Always double-check labels to be sure.
What can I add to make this dish heartier?
Adding sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or mixing in cooked sausage or crispy bacon, can boost the dish’s richness and provide extra protein for a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is such a delightful surprise—a dish that’s both simple to prepare and lavishly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your heart and quickens your appetite all at once. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the comfort of this creamy, flavorful meal any day of the week.
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Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Butter Beans is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and vegetable broth, then enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This simple skillet recipe offers a comforting and satisfying vegetarian option perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, forming the flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add herbs and spices: Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine and release their aromas.
- Add vegetable broth and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Add butter beans: Incorporate the drained and rinsed butter beans into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the broth and spices.
- Simmer to reduce: Continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes to slightly reduce the broth and allow the flavors to deepen.
- Stir in heavy cream: Lower heat to low and blend in 1/2 cup heavy cream thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and enriches the sauce.
- Season to taste: Taste the dish and add salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the beans just before serving for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the Marry Me Butter Beans hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy texture and rich flavors.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast.
- You can use dried butter beans soaked and cooked in advance instead of canned for a less processed option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding the cream.
