Let me tell you, the Marry Me White Beans Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that sneaks up on you and quickly becomes a favorite. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight when you want something a little special but without the fuss. I absolutely love how this recipe balances the richness of cream and garlic with the brightness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil – it’s cozy, yet fresh.
What’s fantastic about this Marry Me White Beans Recipe is that it works beautifully as a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a sharing appetizer with crusty bread for dipping. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly, and my family goes crazy for it, especially when I double the batch. You’ll find that it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any season, making it a recipe worth keeping close at hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, which means no last-minute grocery runs.
- Quick to Make: It’s ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something tasty fast.
- Versatile and Flavorful: Creamy, garlicky, and a little bit spicy—all the flavors come together in the most delicious way.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or casual get-together, everyone loves dipping crusty bread into this flavorful bean dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Marry Me White Beans Recipe plays a key role — from the creamy base to the kick of spices and fresh herbs. When shopping, look for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to really elevate the flavors.
- Onion: I like using yellow onions for their natural sweetness that softens beautifully when sautéed.
- Oil: Olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness, but any neutral oil will work just fine.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference here, giving a fragrant punch that’s hard to beat.
- Tomato Paste: This deepens the flavor and gives the beans a lovely color and richness.
- Salt: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors; adjust to taste as you go.
- Oregano: A hint of earthy oregano makes the dish taste like a little love from the Mediterranean.
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika works great for adding warmth and complexity.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat – don’t be shy if you like spice!
- Vegetable Broth: Adds lovely depth and helps create that saucy consistency.
- White Beans (canned): Drained and rinsed to keep the dish creamy without excess salt or starch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: My secret weapon for an intense burst of flavor—make sure they’re sliced thin.
- Spinach: Adds color and freshness while wilting quickly into the creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: The star ingredient that makes this not just tasty but irresistibly smooth.
- Fresh Basil: Stirred in right at the end for that fresh, herbal finish that makes the difference.
- Bread: Toasted thick slices perfect for dipping and soaking up all that goodness.
Variations
I love how flexible the Marry Me White Beans Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs without losing any of that cozy, comforting vibe. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Make it Vegan: I’ve swapped out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and it still has a rich, luscious texture that’s totally satisfying.
- Add Protein: My family loves it with some grilled chicken or sausage on the side when we want a heartier meal.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes boost the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne if I’m craving extra heat.
- Herb Variations: Try thyme or rosemary instead of basil to change up the flavor profile and keep things interesting.
How to Make Marry Me White Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic Until Soft and Fragrant
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook gently until soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key because soft onions provide a sweet base. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, until you can smell that gorgeous aroma–be careful not to burn it!
Step 2: Build the Flavor With Spices and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Splash in a bit of patience here: cook this mixture for about 2 full minutes, stirring constantly. This step lets the tomato paste caramelize a bit and the spices bloom, which really deepens the overall flavor.
Step 3: Add the Broth, Beans, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the drained and rinsed white beans along with the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Take this time to occasionally stir so the flavors meld nicely and the beans soak up the tomato-spice goodness.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Stir in Cream
Turn the heat down low and toss in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Stir until the spinach wilts completely and the sauce is silky smooth. If you want it a bit creamier, feel free to add a splash more cream here — that’s what I usually do!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Toasted Bread
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for color and a bit of heat. Serve right away with toasted bread slices on the side — dipping into the creamy, garlicky beans is the best part, trust me!
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me White Beans Recipe
- Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I learned that using packed-in-oil sun-dried tomatoes adds so much more flavor than the dry kind.
- Don’t Rush the Tomato Paste: Cooking it well with the spices really brings out a rich, deep flavor the dish depends on.
- Add Cream Slowly: Stir in the heavy cream on low heat to prevent curdling and ensure silky texture.
- Toast Your Bread Well: A crunchy, golden toasted bread is perfect for dipping and balances the creamy beans.
How to Serve Marry Me White Beans Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with plenty of freshly chopped basil and a few extra red pepper flakes for a little pop of color and heat. Sometimes I like adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent, which amps up the richness and flavor.
Side Dishes
My go-to side is crusty toasted bread – perfect for scooping up every last creamy bite. This dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that’s light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the Marry Me White Beans Recipe in little bowls as part of a mezze spread. You can also garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for that extra wow factor when guests come over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool the beans completely before storing to keep the cream from breaking down too much.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with decent results. The texture changes a little—the cream can separate slightly—but a good stir after thawing helps bring it back to life. Just freeze in portioned containers for easy meals later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash more cream or broth when reheating helps keep it creamy and smooth. Avoid the microwave if you can to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use dried beans instead of canned for the Marry Me White Beans Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before following the recipe. Just keep in mind that canned beans are a huge time-saver and work perfectly for this dish.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew nut cream to keep it creamy without dairy. The flavor changes slightly but stays delicious and rich.
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What bread pairs best with Marry Me White Beans Recipe?
I recommend a sturdy, crusty bread like a good sourdough or ciabatta. Toast it well so it soaks up the sauce without falling apart, making every bite extra satisfying.
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Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Just increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the spices. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes extra heat if that’s your thing.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me White Beans Recipe is one I love making when I want something comforting but still sophisticated enough to impress. The creamy texture, the blend of warm spices, and fresh herbs all make it feel like a little moment of kitchen magic. Seriously, try this one out—you’ll enjoy how it feels like a hug on a plate that’s just begging for your favorite bread. It’s a recipe that always gets rave reviews from anyone I share it with.
Print
Marry Me White Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me White Beans is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender white beans simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of aromatic spices. This comforting recipe is enriched with heavy cream and fresh basil, making it perfect for dipping toasted bread and enjoying a cozy meal in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Bread, for dipping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced onion and oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Simmer Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the drained white beans and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Cook until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with toasted bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the bread just before serving to ensure it stays crisp for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
