Marry Me Chickpeas: The Ultimate Creamy & Delicious Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Marry Me Chickpeas recipe. It’s a rich, savory, and deeply satisfying dish that delivers a proposal-worthy flavor experience in under 30 minutes. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” this vegetarian version swaps poultry for hearty chickpeas, bathing them in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian main, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your rotation. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to make.

What Are Marry Me Chickpeas?

Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful vegetarian adaptation of the internet-famous Marry Me Chicken. The original dish earned its name from the sheer number of people who claimed it was so delicious it could elicit a marriage proposal. This version captures that same magic without the meat. At its core, the recipe features tender chickpeas simmered in a decadent cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and the star of the show: sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes. Often finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and rich flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce is packed with umami and aromatic herbs, creating a taste that’s both complex and comforting.
• Quick and Easy: This entire dish comes together in one pan in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Plant-based and packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, this meal will leave you feeling full and happy.
• Versatile and Adaptable: It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan or customized with different herbs and spices. It’s a fantastic base recipe to make your own. For another stunningly creamy dish, you might also love this Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas

The magic of this dish lies in a few high-impact ingredients working together. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature creamy and savory flavor profile.

For the Chickpeas and Sauce:

• Olive Oil & Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar infuses the entire dish with a rich tomato flavor right from the start.
• Garlic and Shallot: These form the aromatic base, providing a sweet and pungent foundation.
• Herbs: A combination of dried oregano and red pepper flakes adds warmth and a gentle kick.
• Vegetable Broth: This helps to deglaze the pan and create the sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: For that essential luscious, creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. A full-fat coconut milk works for a vegan option.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are non-negotiable! They provide a sweet, tangy, and chewy counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that thickens the sauce and brings everything together.
• Canned Chickpeas: The star of our show. Be sure to rinse and drain them well.
• Fresh Spinach: Wilts down into the sauce, adding nutrients and a pop of color.
• Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas (Step-by-Step)

Making this creamy chickpea recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. Grab your favorite large skillet, and let’s begin.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
3. Get Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add Chickpeas and Spinach: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the fresh spinach by the handful, stirring until it has all wilted into the sauce. Let it all simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your delicious Marry Me Chickpeas immediately.

If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll find similar proposal-worthy flavors in our Marry Me Salmon recipe, which uses a similar, irresistible sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

A few simple tips can elevate your Marry Me Chickpeas from great to absolutely unforgettable.

• Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Using the flavorful oil from the jar is a pro-tip that layers in flavor from the very beginning.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a perfectly smooth, melty sauce.
• Toast Your Spices: Cooking the dried oregano and red pepper flakes with the garlic for a minute before adding liquids helps to “bloom” them, intensifying their flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach at the very end and cook just until it wilts. This keeps its vibrant green color and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this creamy chickpea recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a wonderful canvas for customization. Feel free to experiment!

• Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Boost the Protein: While the chickpeas provide plenty, you could also serve this alongside grilled chicken or tofu. For a great tofu recipe, check out our Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu.

How to Make Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas

Creating a fully vegan version of this dish is simple! Make these two easy swaps:

1. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a similarly rich and creamy texture.
2. Replace the Parmesan cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chickpeas

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or spooning over a starchy base.

• Grains: Serve over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta like penne, rigatoni, or orzo for a complete meal.
• Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread or warm naan is perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chickpeas store beautifully, making this a great recipe for meal prep.

• Storage: Allow the chickpeas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Dinner Recipes

We hope you adore this Marry Me Chickpeas recipe! Its rich, creamy flavor is sure to win hearts. If you’ve tried it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!

Marry Me Chickpeas

FL Recipes

Marry Me Chickpeas: The Ultimate Creamy & Delicious Recipe

Fall in love with Marry Me Chickpeas! This quick, one-pan vegetarian dinner features hearty chickpeas in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a proposal-worthy meal perfect for any night of the week.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 shallot finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for vegan
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan
• 2 cans chickpeas (15-ounce), rinsed and drained
• 3 cups fresh spinach packed
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil and sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the fresh spinach by the handful, stirring until it has all wilted into the sauce. Let it all simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 18gFat: 35gFiber: 12g

Notes

Vegan Option: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keyword creamy chickpeas,Marry Me Chickpeas,one pan recipe,vegetarian dinner

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