Name: Marry Me Butter Beans (Lison Tomato Herb Sauce)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans, rinsed and drained; 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 tbsp oregano; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 cup fresh spinach; 1/2 tsp salt

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe

This recipe is quick enough for a busy weeknight but still tastes like something you would order at a cozy restaurant. The butter beans make it hearty and satisfying, while the lemon tomato herb sauce keeps every bite fresh and flavorful.

You will also love how everything comes together in one pan, which makes cleanup simple. The combination of parmesan, cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a bold, rich sauce, while spinach and basil add freshness and color. It is a great meatless option that still feels filling and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans butter beans, rinsed and drained

3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1/2 tablespoon oregano

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Start by preparing the ingredients. Mince or press the garlic, grate the parmesan, rinse and drain the butter beans, and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes so everything is ready to go.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep the heat moderate so the garlic does not burn.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors begin to blend.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the sauce after adding the dairy.

Fold in the butter beans and spinach. Raise the heat slightly to medium and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the beans are warmed through.

Finish the dish by stirring in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or rolls for soaking up the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes, for a total time of 30 minutes.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be a little less rich.

To make it even heartier, serve the beans over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also add cooked mushrooms for extra depth and texture.

If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. For extra greens, stir in kale instead of spinach, but allow a few extra minutes for it to soften.

You can also swap the butter beans for cannellini beans or great northern beans if that is what you have on hand.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the beans gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen it.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still make a delicious lunch or easy dinner the next day.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned butter beans?

Yes, but they need to be fully cooked before adding them to the recipe. Canned beans are faster and more convenient for this dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before serving. Add a small splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the sauce.

What do butter beans taste like?

Butter beans are soft, creamy, and mild in flavor. They work well in rich sauces because they absorb flavor beautifully without becoming overwhelming.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

It already works well as a vegetarian dish as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly parmesan cheese.

Can I make it vegan?

You can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based cream and a vegan parmesan alternative. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.

What should I serve with Marry Me Butter Beans?

Crusty bread is a great choice for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve it with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze it, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed and reheated. For best texture, it is better enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator within a few days.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce afterward. Stirring gently and adding the dairy slowly also helps.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly, so it is the better option. Pre-grated parmesan can work, but the sauce may be a little less silky.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but it is not very spicy. You can easily adjust the heat up or down to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Marry Me Butter Beans are the kind of meal that feels comforting, elegant, and easy all at once. With creamy butter beans, savory parmesan, bright lemon, and rich sun-dried tomatoes, this dish delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you serve it with bread for a simple dinner or dress it up for guests, it is a recipe you will want to make again and again.