Irresistible, creamy, and bursting with sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors, the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Tender butter beans mingle in a luscious, herbed tomato cream sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of lemon. Everything comes together in just one pot, making this dish as easy to clean up as it is delightful to devour—you’ll want to make it for everyone you love!

One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for this recipe is intentionally chosen to build flavor, creaminess, and bold color in each bite. Even if your pantry is running low, these simple essentials are all you need to make the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe sing.

Olive oil: The foundation for a deliciously silky sauce, adding richness and depth from the first sizzle.
Diced onion: Provides a sweet savoriness once sautéed, forming a fragrant base for the dish.
Minced garlic: Packs aromatic punch and warmth, marrying beautifully with the other Mediterranean flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat wakes up the whole pot without overpowering.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory, umami core and helps thicken the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy, sweet-tart bites add pops of flavor and beautiful color with every spoonful.
Dried oregano: Lends Italian flair and a comforting herbal note.
Dried thyme: Earthy, slightly minty, and perfectly at home with creamy beans and tomatoes.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and making them shine.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Vegetable broth: Makes the sauce savory and satisfying without being heavy.
Coconut milk or heavy cream: Either option gives you that dreamy creaminess; choose based on your dairy preference.
Butter beans: The heart of the recipe, providing buttery, soft texture and soaking up every bit of flavor.
Vegan Parmesan or regular Parmesan (optional): For a salty, nutty finish that takes it to the next level.
Lemon juice: A splash at the end brings brightness and balance, so each bite tastes fresh and lively.
Chopped basil or parsley: Fresh herbs make the dish vibrant and aromatic, right before serving.

How to Make One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and starting to turn golden—your kitchen will already smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them bloom for about 30 seconds. This short cook time ensures the garlic stays sweet and fragrant, not bitter.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes as everything begins to meld. This step is key: the tomato paste caramelizes, the spices wake up, and the sun-dried tomatoes infuse their intense flavor straight into the base of your One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk (or cream). Stir to combine, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—you don’t want it boiling, just bubbling softly. The sauce will begin to turn luscious and fragrant, promising a beautifully rich finish.

Step 4: Add Butter Beans and Simmer

Now, add the star of the show: the drained and rinsed butter beans. Stir them into the sauce and let the whole pot simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. As the sauce thickens and clings to the beans, taste-test to see if they’ve soaked up all those wonderful flavors. The beans should be tender but hold their shape, swimming in a creamy, sundried tomato-studded sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, which adds a final pop of brightness. If using Parmesan, fold it in now for extra richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes just a pinch more salt or a quick squeeze of lemon makes all the difference. You’ve now got a One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe ready to wow the table!

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe with a shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley. These fresh herbs bring color and a burst of garden-fresh aroma that makes each bowl feel restaurant special. For those who love a little decadence, sprinkle on extra Parmesan or a swirl of olive oil before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty dish is dreamy with slices of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce. You could also spoon the beans over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or toss them with your favorite pasta. If you’re craving a lighter pairing, a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil offers a crisp counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve the beans in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, topped with a little extra herb and cheese. As a main event, pile them into a wide bowl surrounded by grilled veggies. Or, for family-style comfort food, plop the pot right on the table with plenty of spoons and bread so everyone can dig in! The creamy, golden sauce and sun-dried tomatoes look gorgeous even in a humble pot.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, so the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe often tastes even better the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the freshest taste and best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes very well! Let the beans cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight—the creamy sauce may separate slightly but will come right back together when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your portion into a saucepan over low heat or microwave gently, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Don’t forget a fresh hit of herbs before serving to bring the dish back to life!

FAQs

Can I substitute a different kind of bean?

You sure can! While butter beans bring unique creaminess, cannellini beans or great northern beans also work wonderfully in this recipe. Just aim for beans with a soft, creamy bite.

Is it possible to make the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe fully vegan?

Absolutely! Just use coconut milk and your favorite vegan Parmesan or skip the cheese altogether. You’ll still get a luxuriously creamy result bursting with flavor.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t handy, roasted red peppers or a handful of cherry tomatoes (fresh or oven-roasted) make a wonderful substitute. Each offers a different burst of flavor and color in the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, up the red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of cayenne. You could also swirl in a spoonful of harissa or hot sauce at the end to customize the spice level to your liking.

Can I double the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully—just use a big enough pot and adjust cook times slightly if you increase the volume. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser at gatherings or family dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, heartwarming meal that’s both nourishing and utterly crave-worthy, give the One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe a spot on your dinner table. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and bound to have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Enjoy every creamy, herby, sun-kissed bite!

One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans recipe. A hearty and flavorful dish that comes together easily in one pot, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream
2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan or regular Parmesan (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and red pepper flakes.
Add Flavors: Stir in tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
Simmer: Pour in broth and coconut milk, bring to a simmer. Add butter beans and cook until heated through.
Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and garnish with herbs before serving.