Creamy Marry Me Butter Bean Pasta

why make this recipe

Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, yet impressive enough for date night. The combination of butter beans, herbs, and creamy sauce makes it a unique and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.

how to make Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta

Ingredients:

• 9 oz rigatoni (or another short pasta shape)
• Lemon wedges (optional garnish)
• 14 oz can of butter beans (drained and patted dry)
• 1 tsp fennel seeds (crushed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 red onion (diced)
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp mixed Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (puree)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy (double) cream
• 1 cup parmesan style cheese (grated)
• 1 small bunch basil (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C / 390F.
2. In a large bowl, lightly toss the butter beans with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and dried sage.
3. Scatter the butter beans in a roasting dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly crisped.
4. While the beans are roasting, make the sauce. In a large, deep saucepan with a lid, heat some olive oil and sauté the onions until they are soft.
5. Add garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sundried tomatoes to the pan. If your sundried tomatoes are stored in herb oil, you can add some of that oil for extra flavor.
6. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another couple of minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for about 5 minutes, partially covered, until thickened.
7. Once there are 10 minutes left for the beans, boil the pasta according to package instructions.
8. When the broth has reduced and the pasta is boiling, stir in the cream and cheese into the sauce. Simmer gently until the cheese melts.
9. Add spinach and basil to the sauce, stirring until just wilted, then remove from heat.
10. Check the beans; they should be lightly crisped but still soft inside. Add them to the sauce and mix well.
11. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce mixture.
12. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the pasta.

how to serve Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta

Serve this delicious pasta in bowls, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh touch. The creamy sauce and crispy beans create a beautiful contrast that’s sure to impress your guests or loved ones.

how to store Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

tips to make Creamy “Marry Me” Butter Bean Pasta

• Make sure to roast the butter beans until they’re crisp for added texture.
• Use fresh herbs if available; they enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the spice level with more or fewer chili flakes based on your preference.
• Substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative if desired.

variation

You can customize this pasta by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute butter beans with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are vegetarian, making it a great option for meat-free meals.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and roast the beans ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Creamy ‘Marry Me’ Butter Bean Pasta

A delightful dish combining rich flavors with creamy butter beans and a savory sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or date nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 700

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Beans

• 9 oz rigatoni (or another short pasta shape)
• 14 oz can of butter beans (drained and patted dry)
• 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)

Seasonings and Aromatics

• 1 tsp fennel seeds (crushed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 red onion (diced)
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 pinch red pepper or chili flakes (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp mixed Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (puree)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy (double) cream
• 1 cup parmesan style cheese (grated)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200C / 390F.
2. In a large bowl, lightly toss the butter beans with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and dried sage.
3. Scatter the butter beans in a roasting dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly crisped.

Making the Sauce

1. While the beans are roasting, heat some olive oil in a large deep saucepan with a lid and sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sundried tomatoes to the pan.
3. Add the tomato paste and sauté for another couple of minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for about 5 minutes, partially covered, until thickened.

Combining Ingredients

1. Once there are 10 minutes left for the beans, boil the pasta according to package instructions.
2. When the broth has reduced and the pasta is boiling, stir in the cream and cheese into the sauce. Simmer gently until the cheese melts.
3. Add spinach and basil to the sauce, stirring until just wilted, then remove from heat.
4. Check the beans; they should be lightly crisped but still soft inside. Add them to the sauce and mix well.
5. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce mixture.

Serving

1. Serve this delicious pasta in bowls, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh touch.

Notes

Make sure to roast the butter beans until they’re crisp for added texture. Use fresh herbs if available; they enhance the flavor. Adjust spice level with more or fewer chili flakes based on preference. Substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative if desired.