Marry Me Chickpeas take everything you love about the viral comfort dish and transform it into a rich, plant-based masterpiece. This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe delivers bold Tuscan-inspired flavor, creamy texture, and hearty protein in just 15 minutes.
If you crave cozy meals that feel indulgent yet come together quickly, Marry Me Chickpeas belong in your weekly rotation. The silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce coats every chickpea, while garlic and herbs create layers of flavor that taste slow-cooked. However, the entire dish cooks in one pan with minimal effort.
The first time I made Marry Me Chickpeas, I honestly expected them to be good-but not unforgettable. Yet as the sauce simmered and thickened, the aroma filled the kitchen in the best way. We grabbed slices of crusty bread and started scooping straight from the skillet. No one spoke for a minute because every bite felt comforting and luxurious. Since then, this recipe has become a reliable weeknight favorite and an impressive dinner for guests.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and vegan parmesan. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You'll Love Marry Me Chickpeas
Rich, Creamy, and Completely Plant-Based
Marry Me Chickpeas taste indulgent, yet they contain no dairy or meat. Instead, chickpeas simmer in a velvety cream sauce made from vegan cream or homemade cashew cream. As a result, you get a silky texture without heaviness.
Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and depth. Garlic builds the base. Oregano and red pepper flakes provide warmth and subtle heat. Meanwhile, spinach balances everything with freshness.
Because chickpeas absorb flavor beautifully, each bite tastes fully seasoned and satisfying.
A Fast, One-Pan Dinner
Busy weeknights demand simple meals. Fortunately, Marry Me Chickpeas cook in just 15 minutes from start to finish. You sauté, simmer, garnish, and serve-all in one skillet.
Not only does that save time, but it also means fewer dishes. Additionally, the ingredients are pantry-friendly. Canned chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes often sit ready in the cupboard.
Therefore, when you need something comforting without a trip to the store, this recipe delivers.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chickpeas
Core Ingredients
To make Marry Me Chickpeas, gather:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper
- Fresh basil and vegan parmesan (optional garnish)
Each ingredient plays an important role. Garlic builds flavor immediately. Sun-dried tomatoes create a slightly sweet, tangy depth. Chickpeas provide hearty texture and plant protein.
Choosing the Best Cream
Cashew cream creates the thickest and most luxurious sauce. However, full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free half-and-half also work well.
If your sauce turns out thinner than expected, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end. This simple step thickens the sauce beautifully without altering flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Next, add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute so the flavors bloom.
Step 2: Simmer the Chickpeas
Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Stir thoroughly.
Increase heat to medium and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and vegan parmesan if using.
Serve Marry Me Chickpeas immediately with crusty bread, over rice, spooned onto pasta, or piled onto baked sweet potatoes.
Serving Ideas for Marry Me Chickpeas
Perfect Pairings
Marry Me Chickpeas pair beautifully with:
- Steamed rice
- Al dente pasta
- Toasted sourdough or crusty bread
- Creamy polenta
- Baked sweet potatoes
Because the sauce is rich and flavorful, something simple works best alongside it.
Make It Your Own
Although chickpeas shine in this recipe, you can experiment with:
- Cannellini beans
- White beans
- Vegan chicken substitutes
- Crispy baked tofu
Each option absorbs the Tuscan-style sauce wonderfully.
Storage and Meal Prep
Marry Me Chickpeas store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Additionally, this dish works beautifully for meal prep. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Marry Me Chickpeas?
The flavor is so rich and comforting that anyone you serve it to may ask for the recipe immediately. The name captures that irresistible quality.
Can I use coconut milk instead of vegan cream?
Yes. Full-fat coconut milk works well, though it creates a slightly thinner sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly until thickened.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze it for up to one month. However, the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chickpeas combine bold Italian-inspired flavors, creamy texture, and hearty plant-based protein into one unforgettable skillet meal. Because it cooks in just 15 minutes and uses everyday pantry ingredients, it fits effortlessly into busy schedules.
Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or a special date night at home, Marry Me Chickpeas deliver rich comfort in every bite. Once you try it, you'll understand exactly how it earned its name.
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