If you are hunting for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug but is surprisingly easy to whip up, then you absolutely have to try the Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan & Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe. This gem combines the luxurious creaminess of butter beans with the bold, tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped in an herbaceous, fragrant sauce that’s both vegan and gluten-free. It’s a perfect midweek treat that feels special enough to impress but is straightforward enough to become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you dive into this, you might just find yourself saying the title out loud while eagerly taking your first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a pan filled with white beans soaking in a yellowish broth mixed with small chunks of reddish bits that look like dried peppers or seasoning. There are four white dollops of creamy substance on top scattered in different spots. In the center, there is a heap of fine, yellow powder, partially dissolved in broth. The beans are plump with smooth textures and occupy the bottom left and right parts of the pan. The surface of the broth has oily spots reflecting the light. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute unique flavors and textures. From the silky coconut cream adding lushness to the bright basil that brings freshness, these ingredients come together to create a beautifully harmonious dish.

2 Tablespoons vegan butter: Creates a rich base and helps soften the aromatics.
1 large shallot, peeled & finely diced: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor that forms the soulful background of the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent depth and a fragrant aroma that is essential in savory dishes like this.
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, marinated in oil & chopped: Brings an intense, tangy burst that really elevates the creaminess of the beans.
1 Tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds umami to the dish.
¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note reminiscent of Mediterranean gardens.
¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Provides earthiness and layers of flavor to complement the tomatoes.
¼ teaspoon chili flakes: Offers a gentle heat that balances the richness without overpowering it.
15 ounces canned butter beans (with liquid): The star ingredient, providing creamy texture and hearty protein; keeping the liquid is key to the sauce.
2 Tablespoons coconut cream: Enriches the sauce while keeping it vegan and luscious.
1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor perfect for vegan recipes.
½ Tablespoon lemon juice: Injects brightness and lifts the entire dish.
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Finishes the dish with a fragrant, herbal freshness.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan & Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

Start by finely dicing the shallot, mincing your garlic cloves (a garlic press can save you time and effort here), and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes. This prep ensures that when you begin cooking, everything combines smoothly and infuses the dish with those beautiful base flavors we all crave.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

In a large pot, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling nicely, toss in the shallots and garlic. Stir them around for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots become translucent and the kitchen fills with that hypnotic garlicky-sweet aroma. This cooking step builds the foundation of flavor you don’t want to skip.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices

Next up, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Give everything a good stir and let it sauté for another minute. This process blends the hearty tomato elements with the herbs, creating a fragrant, vibrant base that’s going to hug those butter beans beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter Beans and Creamy Ingredients

Pour in the entire can of butter beans, liquid and all—yes, keep that liquid because it’s pure gold for creating the luscious sauce. Then add coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Stir everything gently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens as the beans soak up all those inviting flavors.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Let the beans simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly and thicken the sauce. At this point, stir in the fresh chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. The fresh basil adds a bright, herbal finish, and seasoning ensures every bite sings perfectly.

How to Serve Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan & Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe

The image shows two slices of toasted rustic bread on a white speckled plate. Each slice is topped with large, soft-looking white beans mixed with small pieces of sun-dried tomato and chopped green basil leaves. The beans have a light orange sauce coating them, giving a shiny texture. Some fresh basil leaves are scattered around the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a small wooden dish holding more fresh basil leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few red chili flakes on top can make this dish feel extra special. For an added pop of texture, toasted pine nuts or a dash of vegan parmesan can’t be beaten. These garnishes add color and contrasting flavors that amplify the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This creamy delight pairs beautifully with toasted crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce, or alongside a simple green salad to keep the meal balanced. Roasted seasonal veggies or garlic-infused quinoa also make excellent companions that complement the creamy texture without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner party flair, serve the Marry Me Butter Beans in elegant shallow bowls garnished with a basil sprig and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, turn it into a cozy bowl meal topped with a scoop of herbed rice or polenta for a rustic yet refined presentation guaranteed to wow your guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store your leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the rich, creamy texture and ensure that those wonderful sun-dried tomatoes stay flavorful and succulent for your next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the leftover Marry Me Butter Beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of plant-based milk or water to bring it back to that luscious creamy consistency you loved at first bite.

FAQs

Can I use other beans instead of butter beans?

Absolutely! While butter beans are wonderfully creamy and mild, cannellini or great northern beans can be excellent substitutes, offering similar textures and taste profiles that work beautifully with the sun-dried tomato sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan & Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe is completely gluten-free. Just double-check that your sun-dried tomatoes and other ingredients don’t have any hidden gluten-containing additives to keep it safe.

What can I use instead of coconut cream?

If you prefer not to use coconut cream, you can substitute with cashew cream or a thick unsweetened plant-based yogurt. These alternatives will still provide creaminess without altering the flavor profile much.

Can I add more heat to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to increase the chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce while cooking. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice to suit your personal preferences.

How do I make this a one-pot meal?

Serve the Marry Me Butter Beans over cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous straight in the same pot after cooking the beans. Toss in some steamed greens or sautéed mushrooms for an all-in-one satisfying dinner that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give the Marry Me Butter Beans: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan & Gluten-Free Dinner Recipe a try. It’s effortless yet feels indulgent, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. This dish has a way of bringing warmth and comfort to the table, all while being kind to your body and the planet. Once you savor it, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.