One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

If there’s a dish that promises love at first bite, it’s my One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans. Imagine a skillet bubbling over with creamy butter beans, juicy tomatoes, ribbons of greens, and oozy cheese—all swirled together in a dreamy, aromatic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is truly swoon-worthy and delivers cozy, craveable comfort in one easy pot.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans truly magical? It’s the way a handful of simple, colorful ingredients come together to create big, bold flavor! Each one adds its own irresistible touch—think creamy beans, sweet-tart tomatoes, fragrant aromatics, and a melty cheese finish.

• Olive oil (or oil from sundried tomatoes): Provides an earthy base and even more flavor if you use the oil straight from the sundried tomato jar.
• Shallot (or onion): Delivers subtle sweetness and depth—if you only have onion, use about 1/4 cup diced.
• Sundried tomatoes (in oil), finely chopped: Adds bright, intense tomato flavor and a pop of color.
• Baby tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juiciness that create a sweet, fresh note in every bite.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Lends classic, aromatic flavor and makes the sauce extra savory.
• Dried oregano and chili flakes: The oregano brings that essential Italian “kiss”; chili flakes give a gentle, warming kick.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every other flavor.
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy—feel free to use a rich plant-based milk if desired.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Boosts the savory factor and helps the sauce simmer to a dreamy consistency.
• Butter beans or cannellini beans, drained & rinsed: The soul of the dish! Creamy, protein-packed, and super satisfying.
• Baby spinach or chopped kale: Greens wilt down beautifully, adding color and gentle bitterness for balance.
• Shredded parmesan & mozzarella cheese: This dynamic cheese duo creates a gooey, golden top and layers of flavor.
• Garnishes: fresh basil or parsley, extra parmesan, chili flakes: Each garnish lets you customize every bowl for color and freshness.
• Optional: More broth during cooking: If you like it extra saucy, an extra splash brings everything together.

Variations

The beauty of One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans is how endlessly flexible it is! Make it your own by swapping a few ingredients or boosting flavors for your mood, your diet, or just what’s in the fridge tonight.

• Make it vegan: Use your favorite plant-based milks (like cashew or oat), vegan broth, and vegan cheese shreds or a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
• Try different beans: Cannellini, great northern, or even chickpeas work beautifully in place of butter beans.
• Add protein: Toss in rotisserie chicken, Italian chicken sausage, or even crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
• Pump up the greens: Swap in chard or arugula instead of spinach or kale for a new twist on color and flavor.
• Spice it up: Love heat? Add more chili flakes or swirl in Calabrian chili paste for a serious kick.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Shallots and Aromatics

In a high-sided, large skillet or frying pan, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced shallot with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it cook gently, stirring every so often, until the shallot is soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This is where the flavor magic starts building!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes for a Juicy Base

Stir in the finely chopped sundried tomatoes and halved baby tomatoes. Give everything a good toss to combine, letting the tomatoes sizzle and soften for 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture will start to burst with color and aroma, and you’ll see those fresh tomatoes just begin to melt into the olive oil.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Herbs and Garlic

Add your minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes, and another pinch of salt and pepper to the pan. Stir and let everything mingle for about 1 minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—this is where the entire kitchen starts to smell irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the whole milk and broth, stirring gently to bring up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Give it a little taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer—this is your luscious base for all that flavor to come together.

Step 5: Stir in Beans and Greens

Tip in your drained and rinsed butter beans, followed by the baby spinach or kale. Stir well so the beans get coated in all that delicious sauce. Cook until the greens are wilted and everything is heated through—usually just 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle in the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese, gently folding to distribute. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, just until the cheeses are melted and velvety. If you love things extra gooey, don’t be afraid to use a little more cheese—or add an extra splash of broth if you like it saucier.

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans

Garnishes

Finish every bowl with a flourish! I love a generous handful of freshly torn basil or parsley for color, a dusting of parmesan for extra savory punch, and a pinch of chili flakes for just a hint of gentle heat. It’s amazing how these simple touches make One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans look (and taste) truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Bread is practically required for mopping up the dreamy sauce—crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or soft focaccia are all wonderful. For something lighter, serve with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or even steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper dinner, serve One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans straight from the skillet at the table—sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for a golden finish. For parties, ladle the beans over creamy polenta, or serve as a hearty, rustic bruschetta topping on toasted baguette rounds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans keep beautifully! Simply allow them to cool, then pack into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—you’ll find the flavors deepen overnight for an even tastier encore meal.

Freezing

To freeze, simply portion the completely cooled dish into freezer-safe containers. Try to leave a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle reheat will bring everything together.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the beans to a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir regularly until everything is hot and silky. A quick microwave works, too—just cover loosely so the cheese doesn’t splatter!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that one recipe guaranteed to impress, One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans never disappoints. It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and endlessly comforting—no fuss, only love. Give it a try and watch your table light up with happy faces!

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