Marry Me Chickpeas

Short Description

Marry Me Chickpeas is a plant-based twist on the classic “Marry Me Chicken,” featuring tender chickpeas in a creamy, savory, sun-dried tomato sauce. This one-pan meal is rich, flavorful, and ready in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy texture with bold Tuscan-inspired flavors
• Completely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets
• High in protein and fiber from chickpeas
• Quick and easy—ready in about 15 minutes
• Versatile enough to serve with rice, pasta, or bread
• Family-friendly and ideal for meal prep

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil
• garlic, minced
• sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• dried oregano
• red chili flakes
• salt
• black pepper
• canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• vegetable broth
• tomato paste
• vegan cream (such as cashew cream or coconut milk)
• baby spinach, chopped
• fresh basil leaves, chopped
• optional: grated vegan parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
3. Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and vegan cream. Mix well.
4. Simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add baby spinach and cook for 2–3 more minutes until wilted.
6. Stir in fresh basil and top with vegan parmesan cheese, if desired.
7. Serve warm with your preferred side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Use a different protein: Try white beans, tofu, or tempeh for variety.
• Make it spicy: Increase the chili flakes or add hot sauce.
• Add veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can bulk up the meal.
• Herb swap: Replace basil with fresh parsley or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Non-vegan option: Substitute vegan cream with heavy cream if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating is also effective—heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chickpeas?

It is a vegan version of the popular “Marry Me Chicken,” made with chickpeas and a creamy tomato-herb sauce.

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chickpeas?

The dish is so delicious that it’s jokingly said to inspire marriage proposals.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but they need to be soaked and cooked first. Use about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas to replace canned.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve this with?

Serve with pasta, rice, quinoa, crusty bread, or over baked potatoes.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chickpeas?

Yes, store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

What vegan cream works best?

Cashew cream, coconut milk, or any store-bought plant-based cream substitute will work well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or soy-based cream instead of nut-based creams.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chickpeas is a comforting, nourishing, and easy-to-prepare dish that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying plant-based meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. Whether you’re vegan or just trying something new, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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