Name: One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 15 ounces butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor, these One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans are a plant-based twist on the viral chicken dish that took the internet by storm. The luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, fragrant garlic, and soft buttery beans come together in one pan for a hearty meal that will impress even the most devout meat lovers. It’s a cozy comfort food that happens to be vegetarian—and ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a protein-packed dish that feels indulgent, this one delivers. Serve it with crusty bread to scoop up the extra sauce or spoon it over rice, pasta, or even roasted veggies. One bite and you might just hear wedding bells!

What Kind of Butter Beans Should I Use?

For this dish, canned butter beans are ideal. They’re tender, creamy, and soak up the sauce beautifully without needing extra cook time. If you’re using dried butter beans, be sure to cook them fully in advance. You want them soft and pillowy, not al dente, for the best texture in the creamy sauce.

Ingredients for the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup vegetable broth
3/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan parm)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle in the oil for 2 minutes, infusing the base with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

Stir in the butter beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan. Let it simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and top with fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, or as a cozy bowl on its own.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Butter Bean Dish

These Marry Me Butter Beans are best served warm straight from the pan. They’re excellent over a bowl of rice, a swirl of pasta, or a hunk of toasted sourdough. Want to make it a full meal? Add a green side salad or roasted broccoli.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

Can I use other beans?

Yes! Cannellini beans or great northern beans also work well. Just ensure they’re cooked and tender.

Is it spicy?

The red pepper flakes give a mild kick. Feel free to reduce or omit them for a milder version.

Can I freeze this?

Cream-based sauces can change texture after freezing, but it’s still tasty. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating gently.

What can I serve it with?

Crusty bread, rice, polenta, or pasta all pair beautifully. It’s also great with grilled veggies or a fresh salad.

Do I need to rinse canned beans?

Yes—rinsing removes excess sodium and helps keep the sauce from getting too starchy or salty.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you love these One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans, here are some other cozy, comforting mains to try:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy, rich pasta dinner.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re in the mood for something ultra-savory.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for a baked twist with south-of-the-border flair.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for pasta and comfort all in one.
Shipwreck Dinner for a hearty one-pan classic the whole family will love.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have a quick one-pot favorite on hand.

And when you make it, tag me or comment with your twist! Did you add spinach? Try it with chickpeas instead? I love seeing all your creations.

Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for more cozy meals, clever twists, and plant-powered favorites!

One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 to 3 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with flavor, these One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans are a cozy, vegetarian take on the beloved viral dish. Simmered in a sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, this one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes for the perfect comfort meal.