Marry Me White Beans Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s deeply comforting, bursting with flavor, and almost impossibly creamy, Marry Me White Beans is about to become your new obsession. This humble but show-stopping skillet recipe brings restaurant-level decadence to your dinner table in just 15 minutes—and trust me, one bite and you’ll see why everyone’s swooning over these beans!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me White Beans recipe may look and taste gourmet, but it’s built from real, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each item plays a role in building dreamy layers of flavor and irresistible texture—don’t skip what looks simple, it matters!

• ¼ onion, minced: Gently sautéed onion creates a mellow, aromatic base for all those bold flavors to shine.
• 1 tablespoon oil: Olive oil gives a rich, rounded taste, but any neutral oil works in a pinch.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: The garlicky punch adds a warm, savory backbone—use fresh for best results.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: A quick caramelization brings out an intense, almost jammy depth that makes the sauce irresistible.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Helps everything else pop—taste before serving in case your broth is salty, too.
• ¼ teaspoon oregano: A hint of herby flavor gives the beans an Italian-inspired vibe.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For that gentle, tongue-tingling heat. Start small, add more if you love spice!
• ½ cup vegetable broth: Creates a silky sauce and ensures the beans don’t dry out.
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed: Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal—creamy but hold their shape.
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: A little bit delivers a bright, tangy burst in every single bite.
• ½ cup spinach: Wilts down for color, nutrients, and an extra layer of coziness.
• ½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed: The not-so-secret secret to dreamy, restaurant-style sauce. You can use a dairy-free sub too!
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Added at the end for a fragrant, fresh finish you won’t want to skip.
• Bread for dipping: No one wants to leave any sauce behind—serve with crusty bread (or even baguette toasts) for full effect.

Variations

One of my favorite parts about Marry Me White Beans is how versatile the recipe is—swap ingredients, boost protein, or tweak spices to truly make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment; this dish is just as happy adapting to your cravings as it is impressing guests!

• Make It Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer for lush, dairy-free results.
• Swap the Greens: Try chopped kale or arugula in place of spinach for a little more bite and earthiness.
• Add Protein: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or crumbled vegan sausage for a heartier main course.
• Spice It Up: Amp up the red pepper flakes, stir in a spoonful of harissa, or finish with chili crisp oil for heat-lovers.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parmesan or vegan cheese shreds just before serving for gooey, melty luxury.

How to Make Marry Me White Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start your Marry Me White Beans journey by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it’s soft, translucent, and sweetly fragrant—this only takes about two to three minutes. Stir in the garlic and let it mellow for just 30 seconds to keep it from burning while unlocking that irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, add your tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes directly to the skillet. Cook for about two minutes, stirring often—the tomato paste will deepen in color and the spices will toast, giving the whole mixture its rich, complex backbone.

Step 3: Add Beans, Broth, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits with a wooden spoon. Add the drained white beans and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, gently stirring everything together. Simmer for four to five minutes, letting the beans soak up all those spectacular flavors.

Step 4: Creamy Finale

Lower the heat and stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Cook on low until the spinach wilts and everything melds into a creamy wonder—about one to two minutes. Taste, adjust seasonings, and thin with a splash of extra cream if you like it saucier.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle the chopped basil across the top and add a final dash of red pepper flakes for color and kick. Ladle your Marry Me White Beans into bowls and serve straight away—with toasted bread on the side for optimal sauce scooping!

How to Serve Marry Me White Beans

Garnishes

The finishing touch on Marry Me White Beans? A shower of fresh basil, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for color, and maybe even a few grinds of black pepper. If you’re feeling decadent, a little freshly grated parmesan or a dollop of pesto takes things over the top—watch guests go back for seconds!

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for crusty sourdough or toasted baguette on the side for scooping up every drop of that creamy sauce. Pair it with a bright arugula salad, roasted asparagus, or simple grilled veggies for a dreamy vegetarian spread. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main, but also works alongside roast chicken or fish as a side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Marry Me White Beans in miniature ramekins for a tapas-style appetizer, or spoon over toasted crostini as a sophisticated party bite. For a rustic dinner, ladle them into shallow bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and add microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me White Beans keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish in a sealed container for up to two months. The only thing to watch out for is the cream—when reheated, it sometimes separates. A vigorous stir (or adding a splash of fresh cream) will bring your Marry Me White Beans back to their former, creamy glory.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beans gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of broth or cream if needed. Stir frequently for the silkiest texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re nourishing yourself after a long day or dazzling friends with your kitchen magic, Marry Me White Beans are the creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed comfort food you’ll crave again and again. Give this recipe a whirl—you just might fall head over heels at the very first bite!

Print