One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy and Cozy

This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe creates a creamy, flavorful dish with tender butter beans in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, inspired by the viral “Marry Me” chicken. Perfect for cozy dinners, romantic meals, or weeknight comfort food, this vegetarian dish is both hearty and easy to make. I made this for a date night at home, and the creamy sauce was a total hit! Ready in about 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe brings bold flavors to your kitchen with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

This dish is simple to prepare in a single pot with pantry staples. The creamy tomato sauce and butter beans create a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s versatile, letting you adjust the spices or add protein. I love how it feels like a special dish but is so quick to whip up. Find more cozy dinner recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Butter beans provide fiber and protein for digestion and energy. Tomatoes supply lycopene for heart health. Garlic supports immunity. Enjoying this dish in moderation fits a balanced diet. Learn more about vegetarian comfort foods at Bon Appétit.

Ingredients for One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

For the Dish:

• 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use cannellini beans instead of butter beans for a similar texture. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Replace Parmesan with Pecorino for a sharper flavor. Use fresh tomatoes (2 cups diced) instead of canned.

Notes: Rinse beans well to remove excess sodium. Chop spinach finely for even mixing. Stir sauce gently to avoid breaking beans.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Prep Ingredients

Drain and rinse butter beans. Finely chop onion, garlic, and spinach. This ensures quick assembly.

Cook Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant. This builds the flavor base.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This creates a rich sauce.

Add Beans and Cream

Add butter beans and heavy cream; stir gently to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until beans are heated through. This makes a creamy texture.

Finish with Spinach and Cheese

Stir in spinach and Parmesan; cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This adds freshness and richness.

Serve

Ladle into bowls. Garnish with basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice. This adds a vibrant touch.

Preparation Tips

• Rinse beans well: Wash canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor. This keeps the dish fresh. I rinsed mine thoroughly, and it was perfect.
• Chop finely: Dice onion and garlic small for a smooth sauce. This improves texture. I chopped mine finely, and it was great.
• Simmer gently: Keep heat medium to avoid curdling the cream. This maintains a velvety sauce. I simmered gently, and it was ideal.
• Stir carefully: Mix beans gently to keep them intact. This preserves texture. I stirred mine lightly, and it was perfect.
• Taste seasoning: Adjust salt or chili flakes after adding cheese. This balances flavors. I tasted mine, and it was spot-on.
• Add spinach last: Stir in spinach at the end to avoid overcooking. This keeps it vibrant. I added mine late, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and flavor. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use cannellini beans: Swap butter beans for cannellini for a similar creamy texture. This works well. I tried cannellini, and it was tasty.
• Add protein: Include 1/2 lb cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier dish. This adds richness. I tried chicken, and it was great.
• Make it vegan: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan. This suits plant-based diets. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
• Use fresh tomatoes: Replace canned tomatoes with 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes. This adds brightness. I tried fresh, and it was fine.
• Add heat: Increase chili flakes to 1 tsp for a spicier sauce. This adds a kick. I tried spicy, and it was exciting.
• Use kale: Swap spinach for kale for a heartier green. This changes texture. I tried kale, and it was vibrant.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onion for earthy flavor. This boosts depth. I tried mushrooms, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling. Freeze (without cream) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge, add fresh cream, and reheat. Prep onion, garlic, and spices a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Cook fresh for the best flavor and texture. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my sauce too thick?
   Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep ingredients a day ahead; cook fresh for best taste. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why did my cream curdle?
   Simmer on low heat after adding cream. I kept it low, and it was perfect.
4. Can I use dried beans?
   Yes, cook 1 cup dried butter beans first, then use. I used canned, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my dish bland?
   Add more salt or oregano and taste before serving. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Pair with a green salad for a light meal. Enjoy with rice for a heartier dish. I served mine with bread, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for date nights, cozy dinners, or vegetarian meals.

Nutrition Info for One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Per serving (1 cup, 4 servings):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich sauce and tender beans make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your butter beans? Let us know in the comments!