Marry Me Beans – White beans with meat in creamy sauce, quick skillet recipe
Marry Me Beans – a quick skillet recipe with white beans, tender meat, and creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, ready in just 30–35 minutes.
Marry Me Beans – White beans with meat in creamy sauce
Course: Main, Fel principalCuisine: InternationalDifficulty: Easy, Usor4
servings10
minutes30
minutes550
kcal40
minutesIf you’ve heard of “Marry Me Chicken,” then you already know the story: a dish so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. Well… I took the idea a step further and turned it into a heartier, more rustic version, and honestly, just my style: Marry Me Beans with tender meat, white beans, and a creamy parmesan sauce.
This is the kind of meal you can make in a single skillet, it fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma, and disappears quickly from the plates. It has perfectly browned meat, creamy beans, garlic, spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together irresistibly.
It’s easy to make, and even easier to enjoy. Let’s see how to prepare it!
Ingredients
500 g pork (neck or shoulder) or chicken breast, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked paprika)
1 large can of white beans (400 g), drained and rinsed
2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
50 g cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
100–150 ml cooking cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
30–40 g grated Parmesan
2 handfuls of fresh spinach (or 100 g frozen, well drained)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or basil)
Optional: 50 ml white wine or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation method
- Tips for Perfection
If you’re using pork, choose slightly fatty cuts, such as neck or shoulder, for extra tenderness and flavor. If you opt for chicken breast, cook it just until fully done, then continue with the sauce to avoid drying it out. For an added boost of flavor, you can sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of lemon juice, which will beautifully balance the creamy taste of the dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the meat seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear for 6–8 minutes, until it develops a light crust and the liquid evaporates.
- Over the browned meat, add the onion, garlic, and tomatoes, along with a pinch of thyme – I promise, it adds an absolutely delicious aroma. Let everything soften gently, then add the wine.
For those of you who are skeptical about using wine in this combination, I highly recommend not skipping this step. The flavor it adds is simply incredible. - After the alcohol has evaporated, add the cream and the well-drained white beans. Stir gently and cook over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken and become creamy.
Be mindful of the type of beans you use: some canned beans are very soft, and there’s a high chance of ending up with a mashed texture at this stage. Stir gently to preserve the beans’ whole texture. - Incorporate the spinach and let it wilt for just 1–2 minutes. Add the Parmesan and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed, then remove from heat.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet, if you’re feeling extra hungry, alongside fresh or toasted bread, or even with a serving of rice.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and drizzle a few drops of olive oil for added flavor. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves or chili flakes for an appealing look and an extra punch of aroma. - Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Marry Me Beans recipe combines flavor, texture, and speed. The white beans become creamy and velvety, the meat browns beautifully, and the Parmesan sauce ties everything together into a rich, comforting taste. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, yet special enough to serve to guests or enjoy during cozy moments at home.
