If you’re looking for a recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is your perfect match. With its luscious sauce, tender pasta, and crispy butter beans, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something truly spectacular. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta will have everyone at the table falling head over heels.
Let’s explore how to create this irresistible dish step-by-step!
Ingredients for Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this decadent pasta dish.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Rigatoni (or short pasta) | 9 oz (250 g) |
| Lemon wedges (optional) | For garnish |
For the Butter Beans
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Butter beans (drained) | 14 oz (400 g) can |
| Fennel seeds (crushed) | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Dried sage | 2 tsp |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Red onion (diced) | ½ |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 6 |
| Red pepper or chili flakes | 1 pinch (or to taste) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Sundried tomatoes (chopped) | ½ cup (140 g) |
| Tomato paste (puree) | 2 tbsp |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Heavy cream (double cream) | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup (100 g) |
| Baby spinach (chopped) | 2 cups (75 g) |
| Basil (chopped) | 1 small bunch |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Decadent: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a rich and velvety sauce.
- Protein-Packed: Butter beans add texture and a plant-based protein boost.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or add extra vegetables to make it your own.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for any skill level.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to roast the butter beans while you prepare the sauce and pasta.
2. Roast the Butter Beans
- Season the Beans: In a large bowl, toss the drained butter beans with olive oil, crushed fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and dried sage.
- Bake Until Crispy: Spread the beans in a single layer on a roasting dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until lightly crisped but still tender inside.
3. Start the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced red onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the Broth
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat slightly and let the sauce cook, partially covered, for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rigatoni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Finish the Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.
- Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy consistency.
- Add the chopped spinach and basil, stirring until just wilted.
- Remove the sauce from heat and cover to keep warm.
7. Combine Everything
- Once the butter beans are ready, mix them into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Plate the pasta and garnish with lemon wedges, extra parmesan, or fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
Tips for Perfect Butter Bean Pasta
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil, good parmesan, and quality pasta for the best flavor.
- Roast the Beans Well: Crispy butter beans add texture and a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more chili flakes for extra heat or omit them for a milder taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Customize the Sauce: Experiment with other greens like kale or arugula for a different twist.
Nutritional Information for Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~8g |
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread or a baguette for dipping.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy for lunch the next day.
Creative Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for additional texture.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for a crunchy garnish.
FAQs About Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta
1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes! Soak dried butter beans overnight, then cook them until tender before roasting.
2. What other pasta shapes work well?
Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will pair beautifully with this sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made in advance and reheated, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes! Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding freshly cooked pasta.
6. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a plant-based cream alternative are great substitutes.
Conclusion: Make Your Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta Tonight!
This Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is a dish that’s sure to win over anyone who tries it. The combination of roasted butter beans, rich cream sauce, and tender pasta makes it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special someone, this recipe is bound to impress.
Ready to create a pasta masterpiece? Gather your ingredients and start cooking—it’s time to fall in love with every bite!
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Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta: A Dish to Fall in Love With
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta. Featuring roasted butter beans, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and decadence. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 9 oz (250 g) rigatoni or short pasta
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
For the Butter Beans:
- 14 oz (400 g) can butter beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- Olive oil (for tossing)
For the Sauce:
- ½ red onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup (140 g) sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups (75 g) baby spinach, chopped
- 1 small bunch of basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Butter Beans:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Toss the drained butter beans with olive oil, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and dried sage.
- Spread the beans on a roasting dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly crisped.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté diced red onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat slightly and cook, partially covered, for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add spinach and basil, stirring until just wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve:
- Mix the roasted butter beans into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with lemon wedges, additional parmesan, or fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Keep the sauce creamy by using freshly grated parmesan.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a twist.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
