Name: Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup vegan cream; 2 cups baby spinach, sliced; 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped; Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for that rare plant-based dish that’s both show-stopping and unbelievably easy to make, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chickpeas. Creamy, packed with bold flavors, and brimming with wholesome goodness, this dish is a savory symphony of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, aromatic herbs, and tender chickpeas—all simmered to perfection. Whether you’re impressing company or craving a cozy meal at home, Marry Me Chickpeas delivers comfort with a twist, making you fall in love with every single bite.

Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marry Me Chickpeas is in its handful of powerful ingredients—each one works a little magic, enhancing the flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for getting the best out of each item.

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for a rich and fragrant starting point.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic delivers that irresistible aromatic kick.
Sun dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Their tangy sweetness is truly the heart of this dish, so splurge on the best sun dried tomatoes you can find.
Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a classic Italian herbal note that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and chickpeas.
Red chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle heat adds dimension without being overpowering—adjust to suit your spice preference.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens up all the flavors—taste before serving and add more as needed.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, earthy warmth.
Chickpeas (Two 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed): The stars of this recipe; their creamy texture holds up beautifully in the sauce.
Vegetable broth (1 cup): Use a flavorful low-sodium broth to let the other ingredients shine through.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Deepens the tomato flavor, making the sauce luxuriously robust.
Vegan cream (1 cup): Choose your favorite plant-based cream (like cashew, oat, or soy) for an ultra-silky finish.
Baby spinach (2 cups, sliced): Brightens the dish with color, and wilts down to melt effortlessly into the sauce.
Fresh basil (4-5 leaves, chopped): Stirred in at the end, basil adds a refreshing, fragrant lift.
Optional: Vegan parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For a touch of salty, cheesy goodness—Violife is delicious if you need a brand recommendation!

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add all that freshly minced garlic. Stir frequently and let it cook for 1–2 minutes, just until it’s beautifully fragrant and gently sizzling. Be careful not to let it brown—you want the garlic to infuse the oil without burning, setting the soul-satisfying foundation for your Marry Me Chickpeas.

Step 2: Infuse with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spices

Next, stir in those luscious chopped sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. The sun dried tomatoes soak up the garlicky oil and the spices bloom in the warmth, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Let everything marry together for about a minute, stirring gently to distribute those flavors evenly.

Step 3: Add Chickpeas, Broth, Tomato Paste, Cream, and Spinach

Now comes the heart of your Marry Me Chickpeas: Pour in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, then add the vegan cream and sliced spinach. Give it all a good stir so the sauce mixes and thickens, and bring the pan up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In about five minutes, the spinach will wilt and everything will become deliciously creamy—taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like.

Step 4: Finish with Basil and Parmesan

Take the pan off the heat and scatter in your chopped fresh basil for a lovely herbal finish. If you’re making these Marry Me Chickpeas extra decadent, now’s the time to sprinkle in your grated vegan parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce, and serve your masterpiece right away!

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring a touch of restaurant flair to Marry Me Chickpeas. I love to top mine with a handful of microgreens, more chopped basil, or an extra sprinkle of vegan parmesan. You could even drizzle with a little olive oil or add freshly cracked black pepper for a pop of flavor that makes every serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chickpeas are incredibly versatile—pile them generously over fluffy rice, spoon them onto your favorite pasta, or tuck them into a baked sweet potato for a hearty twist. Crusty bread is always a winner, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that irresistible sauce. You can also serve them as a warm topping for quinoa or a grain bowl, making it a complete, filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to wow, try serving Marry Me Chickpeas as a crostini topping for parties or nestle a scoop into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers. You can even spoon them onto a bed of wilted greens for an elevated salad. If you’re brunching, serve the chickpeas alongside soft polenta and drizzle with extra tomato sauce—so elegant, so comforting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chickpeas will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making tomorrow’s lunch even more craveable. Just let the chickpeas cool before sealing to avoid extra condensation.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Simply portion Marry Me Chickpeas into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chickpeas in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of veggie broth or water to keep the sauce creamy. Stir occasionally until warmed through. They also reheat well in the microwave—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until hot.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas without vegan cream?

Absolutely! Swap it for canned coconut milk (full fat for richer, light for a lighter version) or blend soaked cashews with water for a homemade cashew cream. Your result will still be velvety and delicious.

Which vegan parmesan cheese do you recommend?

Violife is my favorite for its authentic flavor, but any brand that melts easily will do the trick. Or, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich finish!

Are Marry Me Chickpeas gluten-free?

Yes, as written, these Marry Me Chickpeas are completely gluten-free! Just double-check that your veggie broth and vegan parmesan are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

You sure can—cook them fully before using, and swap in about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas for the canned version. This adds a bit of prep but also deeper texture for your Marry Me Chickpeas.

What kind of sun dried tomatoes work best?

Oil-packed sun dried tomatoes are my top pick for their soft, chewy texture and richer flavor, but if you use dry-packed, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to plump them up first.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes can win hearts the way Marry Me Chickpeas do—so easy, so satisfying, and unbelievably flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, Marry Me Chickpeas are always a hit. Let me know how you serve yours—happy cooking!

Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

These Marry Me Chickpeas are a delightful and flavorful vegan dish that will win over anyone’s taste buds. With a creamy tomato base, tender chickpeas, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic, cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Cook Chickpeas: Add chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Bring to a simmer, cook for about 5 minutes until warm and spinach is wilted.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or sweet potato. Enjoy!