Description
Get ready to fall in love with this hearty, comforting, and irresistibly creamy One Pot Marry Me Butter Beans. Perfect as a quick dinner idea, a cozy weeknight meal, or a healthy vegetarian recipe, this dish is packed with rich tomato flavor, creamy butter beans, leafy greens, and optional cheesy goodness. Made in one pot and done in under an hour, it’s a deliciously easy recipe that brings bold flavor with minimal cleanup—ideal for easy dinner nights, meatless meal ideas, or meal prepping ahead.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/3 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or plant-based cheese (optional)
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
2. Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook the spices for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add butter beans and vegetable broth. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Lower heat and stir in cream and greens. Cook until wilted and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
6. If using, top with mozzarella, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
7. Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the dish sit overnight for even deeper flavor.
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and creamy.
Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics—this step builds the dish’s foundation of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 25mg