Name: Marry Me White Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Hey y'all! If you're a fan of creamy, comforting meals that come together in a snap, you're going to fall head over heels for these Marry Me White Beans. They're rich, garlicky, and savory with a dreamy sun-dried tomato basil cream sauce, making them perfect for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or to impress at your next potluck. Trust me, one bite and you'll see why everyone's calling these 'marriage material.' Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Marry Me White Beans Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with hearty protein and fiber from creamy cannellini beans.
Made with accessible, budget-friendly pantry ingredients.
Rich, luscious, and vegan-optional for any dietary needs.
Delicious enough to impress even the pickiest eaters!

Marry Me White Beans Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
⅔ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan), plus more for serving
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, divided
Juice of ½ lemon

How to Make Marry Me White Beans

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the rinsed cannellini beans, vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and allow flavors to combine for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to coat the beans. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beans are deliciously creamy.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir in the grated Parmesan and half the chopped basil. Squeeze in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust salt/pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and the remaining fresh basil.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Notes for Best Marry Me White Beans

For extra richness, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—just pat them dry before chopping. Learn more about sun-dried tomatoes.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the creamy sauce and balances the flavors!
If you like a thicker texture, mash some of the beans gently in the pan.

Marry Me White Beans Recipe Variations

Spicy Chipotle: Add 1 diced chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky, spicy twist.
Greens Galore: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or kale right before serving.
Protein Boost: Sauté sliced chicken or Italian sausage before adding the aromatics for a meaty version.

Equipment Needed for Marry Me White Beans

Large skillet or saucepan
Sharp knife and cutting board
Can opener
Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Store & Reheat Marry Me White Beans

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Not suitable for freezing as the creamy sauce may separate.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me White Beans

Spoon over toasted sourdough or crusty bread for an irresistible meal.
Pair with a simple side salad and crisp white wine for a complete dinner.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted veggies for extra protein.

Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me White Beans

Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor—check here for olive oil tips.
Let the sauce simmer gently and don't rush; it helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
If serving for a crowd, double the recipe and keep warm in a slow cooker.

Marry Me White Beans FAQ

Can I use other types of white beans?
Absolutely! Great Northern or navy beans work just as well as cannellini.
How can I make Marry Me White Beans dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
What if the sauce gets too thick?
Add an extra splash of broth or cream and stir until you reach your desired consistency. For more on thickening techniques, check these tips from Bon Appétit.

Marry Me White Beans