High-Fibre, Meat-Free & Protein-Rich 10-Minute Recipe
If you love Marry Me Chicken, you’re going to love this vegetarian version! Creamy butter beans are simmered with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and light cream cheese to create a rich, savory sauce.
It’s high in fibre, meat-free, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein—and it comes together in just about 10 minutes. 😋
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Approx. per serving: 421 calories, 22g protein, 23g fibre*
*Nutrition will vary depending on the brands and quantities used.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Butter Beans
- 1 jar butter beans, including their liquid
- 150 ml vegetable stock
- 150–200 g mushrooms, chopped
- 5 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons light cream cheese
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
To Serve
- Tenderstem broccoli
- Green beans
- Fresh parsley, optional
- A little grated Parmesan, optional
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Mushrooms 🍄
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Allow them to soften and develop some golden edges.
2. Add the Garlic & Seasonings 🧄
Add the minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Add the Butter Beans 🫘
Pour the entire jar of butter beans along with their liquid into the skillet.
Add approximately 150 ml vegetable stock.
Stir gently so the beans don’t break apart.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes 🍅
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
The bean liquid and vegetable stock will begin to combine with the tomatoes and create a flavorful base.
5. Make It Creamy 🥄
Reduce the heat to low.
Add 4 tablespoons light cream cheese.
Stir gently until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add another splash of vegetable stock.
6. Add the Spinach 🌿
Add the chopped spinach.
Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage.
🥦 7. Prepare the Vegetables
While the butter beans are cooking, steam or boil your tenderstem broccoli and green beans until tender-crisp.
Drain well.
Season with a little salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
🍽️ 8. Serve
Spoon the creamy butter beans into two bowls.
Pile the tenderstem broccoli and green beans alongside.
Finish with:
- Fresh parsley 🌿
- Black pepper
- Chili flakes
- Optional Parmesan
Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
💪 How to Keep It High Protein
For an even higher-protein version:
- Choose high-protein/light cream cheese where available.
- Add extra butter beans.
- Serve with a high-protein side such as edamame.
- Add nutritional yeast for extra savory flavor and some additional protein.
The butter beans themselves provide both plant-based protein and substantial fibre, making this a much more filling meat-free meal than a typical creamy pasta dish.
💡 Tips for the Best Marry Me Butter Beans
Use jarred beans: If you enjoy the texture of jarred butter beans, they’re an excellent choice. Keep some of the bean liquid because it helps create the sauce.
Don’t over-stir: Butter beans are delicate, so stir gently.
Make it saucier: Add another 50–100 ml vegetable stock if you prefer lots of creamy sauce.
Want it spicy? Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Want more “Marry Me” flavor? Add extra sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and Parmesan.
