Name: Marry Me White Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; ½ cup spinach; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish; ½ cup vegetable broth; 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed; Bread for dipping, toasted

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 74 reviews

The Marry Me White Beans Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to cozy, comforting meals that feel both indulgent and fresh. Imagine tender white beans simmered in a rich, garlicky tomato cream sauce, softened with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes. This dish is not just simple to whip up but is guaranteed to warm the soul and possibly inspire some serious devotion at your dinner table. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me White Beans Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan filled with three main layers: a bottom layer of thick orange-red tomato sauce with bits of cooked onion and garlic, a middle layer of white beans scattered evenly, and a top layer of fresh, bright green spinach leaves slightly wilted and mixed throughout. Swirls of creamy white sauce sit atop the beans and spinach, adding contrast to the dish. On the right of the pan, a wooden spoon partly covered in sauce rests inside. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this recipe shine is the simplicity and synergy of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors, balancing textures, and creating that irresistible creamy, savory base you’ll want to dive into. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:

¼ onion, minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
1 Tablespoon oil: Used for sautéing; olive oil works beautifully for a rich undertone.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punch of aromatic warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
2 Tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated flavor gives the sauce its vibrant tang and beautiful color.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
¼ teaspoon oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean herbal note.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and subtle depth.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things exciting and flavorful.
½ cup vegetable broth: Creates the perfect base for simmering while keeping it light.
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed: The star ingredient, creamy and hearty.
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Provides bursts of sweet tangy flavor and chewy texture.
½ cup spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a gentle earthy taste.
½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed: Envelops the dish in luscious creaminess with a rich mouthfeel.
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, peppery herb finish.
Bread for dipping: Crunchy or toasted bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up that divine sauce.

How to Make Marry Me White Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion and allow it to soften gently, bringing out its natural sweetness—this foundation sets the tone for all the layers of flavor to come. After the onions have become tender, add your minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds, or until you can smell that incredible garlic aroma filling your kitchen. This quick step helps release the garlic’s flavor without letting it become bitter.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste alongside the salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let these ingredients cook together for about two minutes. This allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to bloom, intensifying the fragrant base you’ll be building your sauce on. This step is crucial for crafting that rich, complex flavor that makes the Marry Me White Beans Recipe so addictive.

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

Pour in your vegetable broth, then add the drained and rinsed white beans, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything gently but well to combine. Let the skillet simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the beans to heat through and the sun-dried tomatoes to rehydrate just enough, contributing their delicious sweet-tart punch that adds an exciting contrast to the creamy beans.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Turn the heat down to low, then fold in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cooking until the spinach wilts gives the dish a lovely, nuanced freshness, while the cream envelops everything in a silky, indulgent sauce. If you want it a little creamier, feel free to add a splash more heavy cream at this point—comfort food is all about what pleases your palate.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your sauce is thick and the spinach perfectly wilted, sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top along with a few extra red pepper flakes for an inviting pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite toasted bread to dip and savor every last drop. This final flourish turns a simple plate into a memorable experience that screams love in every bite.

How to Serve Marry Me White Beans Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers of food sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is elbow macaroni covered with a thick, creamy orange sauce mixed with wilted greens and browned meat pieces speckled throughout the dish. Scattered on top are fresh green herb leaves adding color contrast, and a toasted baguette slice leans against the side of the bowl, partially dipped into the mixture. The dish looks rich and hearty, with visible texture from the sauce coating the pasta and meat pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil are essential for adding brightness and a lovely herbal contrast to the rich, creamy beans. You can also sprinkle some shaved Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil on top if you want an extra touch of indulgence. A pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving can really make all the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the white beans in shallow bowls with a vibrant swirl of fresh basil pesto or a sprinkle of paprika for color contrast. You can also spoon it over polenta or zucchini noodles for a fun twist that adds a new texture and turns this comfort classic into a fancy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me White Beans make fantastic next-day meals. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the dish even more delicious when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach might change slightly after freezing, but the creamy tomato-bean blend will stay fantastic.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen Marry Me White Beans overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to restore that perfect creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer using dried beans, just soak and cook them ahead of time until tender. Using dried beans can add a fresher flavor and texture, but it does require more preparation time.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. This will keep the dish creamy while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

What kind of bread works best for dipping?

Crusty breads like baguettes or sourdough are ideal because they hold up well when dipped into the creamy sauce without getting soggy too quickly. Toasting the bread adds a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.

Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?

Definitely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference. You can omit them entirely for a milder dish or increase slightly for more heat.

How long does it take to make the Marry Me White Beans Recipe?

This recipe comes together in about 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Marry Me White Beans Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. From its comforting creaminess to the fresh, vibrant notes that keep it bright and exciting, this dish is one I cannot recommend enough. Whether you’re a longtime bean lover or just dipping your toes into cozy weeknight meals, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself ready to say “I do” after the very first bite!