If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and so easy to make, the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is an absolute game changer. This vibrant, creamy skillet meal combines tender chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a luscious vegan cream sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding four or just craving a wholesome dinner, this recipe delivers layers of rich, savory goodness that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even third helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing simplicity and depth to the dish. From the brightness of fresh basil to the creamy texture of vegan cream, these components meld perfectly to create a savory, satisfying meal that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic lends a pungent, aromatic base that wakes up the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color.
- Oregano: This herb provides an earthy, Mediterranean touch that grounds the flavors.
- Red chili flakes (optional): A hint of heat to gently spice things up without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall taste.
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The heart of the dish, packed with protein and a pleasantly nutty flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Brings moisture and a savory base for the sauce to develop.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Vegan cream: Whether cashew cream, coconut milk, or dairy-free creamer, this adds silky creaminess and balances acidity.
- Baby spinach, sliced: Adds freshness, color, and a mild, leafy taste once wilted into the sauce.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fragrant, basil lifts the dish with herby freshness at the finish.
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional): For a nutty, cheesy touch that feels indulgent without dairy.
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 1 to 2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant—this step builds a flavorful foundation, so patience here pays off big time.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let everything mingle and cook for about a minute. This brief sauté releases the sun-dried tomatoes’ chewy sweetness and blends the herbs’ earthy notes into the dish.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Pour in the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Then, add your vegan cream and the sliced baby spinach. Give the mixture a good stir so all the ingredients can get cozy together in the skillet, ready to cook down into a creamy, saucy goodness.
Step 4: Simmer
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let everything cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully and the spinach wilts down, becoming tender and vibrant. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed now—this is where the magic really comes together.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh basil and vegan parmesan cheese if you’re using it. The basil adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness, and the parmesan adds a savory finish. Serve this heartwarming Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe warm alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish even more, sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or a little additional vegan parmesan on top. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the flavors beautifully and adds a touch of gourmet appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or a crisp green salad to add refreshing crunch. Roasted seasonal vegetables or quinoa also make a fantastic accompaniment, turning the meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe over a bed of warm polenta or stuffed into warm pita pockets topped with fresh greens. Layering the chickpeas in a beautiful bowl with colorful garnishes also makes it Instagram-worthy and perfect for sharing with friends at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen upon resting, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to leave a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chickpeas gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. Stir occasionally to restore the creamy texture, and add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much while chilled.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using canned chickpeas saves time and works perfectly as long as you drain and rinse them well to reduce excess salt and improve the texture.
What can I substitute for the vegan cream?
If you don’t have vegan cream on hand, full-fat coconut milk or even blended soaked cashews work wonderfully as creamy alternatives in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild by default, thanks to optional red chili flakes. You can easily omit them for a gentler flavor or increase as desired for a spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to pair it with gluten-free sides if needed, and you’re good to go.
How do I make this recipe into a one-pot meal?
You can serve it over cooked grains like rice or quinoa all in one skillet or stir in cooked pasta towards the end of simmering for a hearty one-pot dinner experience.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is truly a keeper—delicious, easy, and brimming with cozy flavors that everyone will adore. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a satisfying dish that feels like a warm invitation to linger at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes one of your favorites!
Print
Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a creamy, flavorful vegan dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a savory sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and vegan cream. Enhanced with fresh spinach, basil, and optional vegan parmesan, this quick and comforting skillet recipe is perfect for a hearty meal served with pasta, rice, or 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 the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care 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 for another 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the 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 approximately 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil and vegan parmesan cheese, if using. Serve warm alongside pasta, rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For vegan cream, cashew cream, coconut milk, or any dairy-free creamer works well.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Serve with your choice of grains or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, but the flavor will be less intense.
