This Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is a delectable twist on classic Tuscan flavors, combining roasted butter beans with a rich and velvety cream sauce. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and fragrant Italian seasoning elevates this comforting dish into a restaurant-worthy experience. Perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a hearty, satisfying meal, it’s a recipe that will win hearts with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make yet tastes gourmet. The roasted butter beans add a delightful texture and depth of flavor, creating the perfect balance against the creamy rigatoni base. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon for a hint of brightness, and you’re ready to serve a dish that truly delights.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 9 oz (250 g) rigatoni or another short pasta shape
- Lemon wedges, optional garnish
Butter Beans:
- 14 oz (400 g) can of butter beans, drained and patted dry
- 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried sage
Sauce:
- ½ red onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (to taste)
- 1 tbsp mixed Italian seasoning
- ½ cup (140 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (puree)
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy (double) cream
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan-style cheese, grated
- 1 small bunch basil, chopped
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F.
- Toss butter beans with olive oil (about 2 tbsp), fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and sage in a large bowl. Spread evenly in a roasting dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly crisp.
- Heat olive oil in a deep saucepan. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, stir for 2 minutes, then pour in vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
- Boil pasta according to package instructions, starting 10 minutes before the butter beans finish roasting.
- Add cream and parmesan to the sauce, stirring gently over low heat until the cheese melts. Mix in spinach and basil until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine the roasted butter beans with the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 708 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta: A Vegetarian Delight with Tuscan Flavors
The Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is a comforting and luxurious dish inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that has taken the culinary world by storm. This vegetarian adaptation captures the essence of its inspiration with a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce, while replacing the chicken with roasted butter beans for a plant-based twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners, entertaining guests, or even meal prep.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The name “Marry Me” originates from the original chicken dish, which is said to be so irresistible that serving it could inspire a proposal. While that claim may be tongue-in-cheek, there’s no denying the allure of a decadent sauce made with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. This vegetarian version stays true to the spirit of the original by creating a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and full of aromatic depth.
What sets this version apart is its focus on butter beans a humble yet versatile ingredient. Roasting the beans before incorporating them into the sauce adds a layer of texture and flavor that elevates the entire dish. The result is a pasta that’s as satisfying as it is unique, proving that vegetarian meals can be just as indulgent and crowd-pleasing as their meat-based counterparts.
Why Butter Beans?
Butter beans, also known as lima beans in some regions, are an underrated superstar in plant-based cooking. Their creamy texture and neutral flavor make them an ideal canvas for absorbing bold seasonings and sauces. In this recipe, the butter beans are roasted with fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and sage, creating a flavor profile that mimics the savory, meaty notes traditionally found in Tuscan cuisine.
The roasting process also enhances the beans’ texture, giving them a slight crispiness on the outside while retaining their soft, buttery interior. This contrast adds complexity to the dish and ensures that every bite is dynamic and interesting.
The Role of Tuscan Flavors
The Tuscan region of Italy is renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine, which often features a harmonious blend of herbs, garlic, and high-quality ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. This recipe pays homage to those traditions by incorporating classic Tuscan elements into the sauce.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste forms the base of the sauce, offering a tangy depth that balances the creaminess. Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhance the flavor profile, creating a sauce that’s aromatic and multi-dimensional. A handful of baby spinach adds a pop of color and a subtle earthiness, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Rigatoni: The Perfect Pasta Partner
Choosing the right pasta is essential to any great pasta dish, and rigatoni is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its ridged surface and tubular shape are ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Rigatoni is also hearty enough to complement the robust nature of the butter beans, making it a satisfying pairing for this dish.
For those looking to switch things up, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle can be used. Gluten-free pasta is also an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions, as the sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Customizing the Dish
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the core ingredients create a harmonious balance of flavors, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
- Adding Protein: For those who want to include more protein, roasted chickpeas or even cubes of firm tofu can be added alongside the butter beans.
- Boosting Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be sautéed and incorporated into the sauce for extra nutrition and texture.
- Making It Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan substitute in place of the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish shines as a standalone meal, it can also be paired with complementary sides to create a full Italian-inspired dining experience. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent choice, as it provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread can be served alongside for scooping up every last bit of the sauce.
For a special occasion, consider serving this pasta with a glass of white wine, such as a creamy Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the creaminess of the sauce while balancing its tangy and savory notes.
The Nutritional Profile
Despite its indulgent appearance, the Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is surprisingly balanced. The butter beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish both filling and nourishing. The inclusion of spinach adds a dose of vitamins and minerals, while the use of high-quality parmesan cheese offers a flavorful source of calcium.
While the heavy cream contributes to the dish’s decadence, it can be adjusted or replaced with lighter alternatives for those watching their calorie intake. The recipe’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your nutritional needs without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion:
The Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is more than just a meal it’s an experience. From the perfectly roasted butter beans to the luscious Tuscan-inspired sauce, every element of this dish is designed to delight the senses. It’s a testament to the idea that vegetarian cooking can be both comforting and gourmet, offering something special for weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt, ensuring that it can be tailored to suit any occasion or preference.
