Marry Me White Beans Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-bursting vegetarian dish that somehow feels like comfort food and a restaurant-level treat all at once, Marry Me White Beans is your answer. Imagine creamy white beans, lush with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety sauce—this is that perfect skillet recipe everyone begs you to make again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me White Beans is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of vibrant flavor and creamy comfort. You probably have most of these on hand already; together, they create something unexpectedly special!

• ¼ onion, minced: The onion forms the aromatic, savory backbone of this dish—dice it fine so it almost melts into the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon oil: Olive oil brings a fruity richness to sauté the base and infuse the sauce with flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for depth—don’t skimp.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a rich, slightly tangy body to the sauce; a little goes a long way.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the savory notes.
• ¼ teaspoon oregano: Dried oregano offers a hint of herbal warmth, reminiscent of classic Italian comfort food.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: This subtle spice brings smoky sweetness and gorgeous color.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For that much-needed gentle heat (add more if you love a kick!).
• ½ cup vegetable broth: Delivers moisture and savory flavor that soaks into the beans and greens.
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy white beans (like cannellini or navy) create the heartiness and creamy base—no soaking required.
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: These provide intense, tangy bites throughout—use oil-packed for extra richness.
• ½ cup spinach: A pop of color and tenderness that finishes the dish with freshness.
• ½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed: For that utterly luxurious, velvety finish that sets Marry Me White Beans apart.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds bright, lemony freshness as the perfect finishing touch.
• Bread for dipping: Choose your favorite rustic loaf or baguette—trust me, you’ll want to swipe up every bit of that sauce.

Variations

The beauty of Marry Me White Beans is its adaptability—feel free to put your own spin on it! Whether you’re swapping out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, tailoring it for dietary needs, or simply getting creative, this is a forgiving, flexible recipe.

• Vegan Version: Omit the cream or substitute with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious plant-based sauce.
• Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Different Greens: Try baby kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach—they sauté beautifully and bring new flavors.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free bread or spoon over fluffy rice for a satisfying, celiac-friendly meal.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell pepper to up the veggie quotient and add sweet, colorful bites.

How to Make Marry Me White Beans

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and translucent—about 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, until fragrant (careful, you want it golden, not brown!).

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let it all sizzle together for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the onions and bloom those dry spices—the tomato paste will turn a deeper brick-red color and smell amazing!

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

Add the vegetable broth, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently fold everything together, making sure the beans are coated in that vibrant sauce. Let the mixture simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld and the beans soak up all that goodness.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Continue to cook until the spinach is perfectly wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly—just a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then get ready for the best part: garnishing!

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Scatter chopped fresh basil and a pinch of extra red pepper flakes over the top. Spoon straight into bowls or bring the skillet to the table with plenty of toasted bread for swooping up every dreamy bite of these Marry Me White Beans.

How to Serve Marry Me White Beans

Garnishes

Fresh basil is non-negotiable for that burst of color and brightness, but you can elevate these Marry Me White Beans even more with freshly grated Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil. Chili flakes add a blush of color and gentle heat—feel free to pile them on if you’re in the spicy mood!

Side Dishes

This dish begs for bread—think thick slices of toasted sourdough, hearty multigrain, or garlicky ciabatta. For a complete meal, pair Marry Me White Beans with a crisp green salad dressed simply, or perhaps a side of roasted vegetables for a dinner that truly feels like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon into little crocks for a cozy appetizer, slather across toasted baguette for party bruschetta, or ladle over creamy polenta for a restaurant-worthy bowl. If you’re hosting, serve Marry Me White Beans straight from the skillet family-style; it’s charming, rustic, and makes for plenty of happy dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me White Beans keep beautifully! Let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors get even cozier and more intense as they sit.

Freezing

You can freeze Marry Me White Beans for longer storage—simply pack into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating; note the sauce may thicken or separate slightly, but a quick stir and splash of cream will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the sauce smooth and decadent.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Marry Me White Beans—there’s something magical about the way these easy ingredients transform into pure, cozy comfort in such a short time. Trust me, this is one recipe that’ll win over even the most skeptical eaters, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!

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