If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, comfort, and a bit of culinary romance, the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is about to steal your heart. This vibrant and creamy chickpea skillet combines sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a luscious vegan cream sauce that comes together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that will have you swooning with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a distinct role, whether it’s the garlic bringing depth, the sun-dried tomatoes adding bursts of umami, or the creamy vegan base that ties everything together for that silky texture and inviting color.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the garlic and releasing its fragrant aroma.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): This adds a pungent, savory base that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Their concentrated sweetness and tang elevate the sauce beautifully.
- Oregano (1 tsp): A classic herb that offers a subtle earthiness and Mediterranean flair.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp, optional): These provide a gentle kick that awakens your taste buds without overpowering.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Chickpeas (2 cans, drained and rinsed): The hearty star of the dish, delivering protein and a satisfying bite.
- Vegetable broth (1 cup): Creates the luscious base for the sauce and adds subtle savory notes.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates that tomato flavor, giving richness and body to the sauce.
- Vegan cream (½ cup): Choose cashew cream, coconut milk, or a dairy-free creamer for a silky, indulgent finish.
- Baby spinach (2 cups, sliced): Adds color, freshness, and gentle earthiness as it wilts into the sauce.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the dish with its sweet, aromatic notes at the end.
- Vegan parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): For a touch of tangy, cheesy flavor that rounds out the taste.
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. This foundation is critical – it creates the warm, savory aroma you’ll instantly recognize and crave.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook together for just a minute, allowing the sun-dried tomatoes to release their tangy, rich essence and the herbs to bloom. This step transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed base.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to introduce the hearty chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and the sliced baby spinach. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated to give the sauce its lovely thickness and vibrant hue with every stir.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring your skillet to a gentle simmer and let all those flavors meld for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the spinach will soften to a perfect wilt. This stage is key for marrying the flavors and textures that make this dish utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil along with vegan parmesan cheese if you’re using it. This final touch adds brightness and a decadent finishing note. Your Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed warm and paired with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves or a small handful of vegan parmesan cheese on top before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few chili flakes can also add a beautiful pop of color and flavor. These simple garnishes make the dish look stunning, perfect for impressing guests or adding a touch of love for yourself.
Side Dishes
This creamy chickpea delight pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up the luscious sauce. Crusty bread makes a fantastic companion for sopping up every last bit, while roasted vegetables bring complementary sweetness and texture that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take this dish up a notch? Try spooning it over warm polenta or inside pita pockets for a fun twist. You could also turn it into a hearty stew by adding more broth and extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. The Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be served in a way that feels uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen the next day, making it even more delicious when reheated. Keep it chilled and ready for a quick, nutritious meal any time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly heat through. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works well too—just make sure to cover the dish to keep the moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
While fresh tomatoes offer a lighter flavor, sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness and depth that’s key to the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe. If you have fresh tomatoes, roast and chop them for a similar effect, but sun-dried tomatoes are preferred for authenticity.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! The entire dish is vegan-friendly, especially when you use cashew cream or another plant-based cream substitute and vegan parmesan. It’s a comforting, dairy-free way to enjoy a creamy chickpea meal.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. The Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides or breads. Always double-check your vegetable broth and other processed ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes red chili flakes as an optional ingredient, so you can control the heat based on your preference. Without the chili flakes, it’s mild and comforting, making it great for all palates.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the veggie content and add another layer of flavor. Just add them at the appropriate cooking stage so they soften nicely without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe—it’s like a heartfelt hug in a bowl that you can make quickly on any night. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant ingredients, it’s a recipe worth keeping close for days when you want to impress, indulge, or simply nourish yourself deeply. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a creamy, flavorful vegan dish that combines savory chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a rich vegan cream sauce. It’s a quick and easy skillet meal perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, served best over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup vegan cream (cashew cream, coconut milk, or dairy-free creamer)
- 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook together for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced baby spinach to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil and vegan parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm over your favorite pasta, rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a richer creaminess, use cashew cream as your vegan cream.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Vegan parmesan is optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor without dairy.
- This dish pairs well with gluten-free pasta or bread to keep it gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
