Dinner

Marry Me White Beans Recipe

BySimon Carel January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Introduction

This Marry Me White Beans recipe is a flavorful, creamy skillet dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining tender white beans with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a rich and comforting blend that’s wonderful with toasted bread.

The image shows a white pan filled with creamy orange pasta, thickly coated in sauce with visible pieces of white beans and wilted spinach leaves. Fresh green basil leaves, both whole and chopped, are sprinkled on top. There are specks of red chili flakes scattered across the surface, adding small red accents. A gold spoon rests inside the pan, partly submerged in the pasta. The pan sits on a wooden board, placed over a white marbled surface with torn pieces of crusty bread nearby and a blue cloth peeking from the lower left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ onion, minced
1 tablespoon oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
½ cup spinach
½ cup heavy cream, plus more as needed
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Bread for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.
Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the drained white beans and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring gently a few times to combine and heat through.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Cook until the spinach wilts and the cream warms through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top. Add extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy more heat. Serve immediately with toasted bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use cannellini or navy beans for a creamier texture.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free and add a subtle tropical note.
For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken or sausage slices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth as needed to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the spinach tender and fresh.

How to Serve

A white pan filled with creamy orange pasta covered in rich sauce, with visible small pasta shells forming the first layer. The sauce, creamy and thick with a smooth texture, coats the pasta evenly. Mixed in and scattered on top are bright green fresh basil leaves and finely chopped herbs, adding a fresh and vibrant touch. A golden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered in the sauce. The pan is placed on a wooden board, with pieces of torn bread and scattered herbs around on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried beans fully before starting the recipe. Canned beans are a convenient time-saver, but dried beans give a firmer texture when prepared properly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream and ensure your bread contains no animal products. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.