Marry Me Chickpeas

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines the rich, savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs with the creaminess of vegan cream, all enveloping protein-packed chickpeas. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup vegan cream (such as cashew cream or coconut milk)

• 2 cups baby spinach, sliced

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Optional: ½ cup grated vegan parmesan cheese

1. In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach to the pan. Stir well to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warmed through and the spinach has wilted.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated vegan parmesan, if using.

6. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, or over cooked rice, pasta, or baked sweet potatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: I sometimes substitute the chickpeas with cannellini beans, white beans, or baked tofu for a different texture.

• Cream Options: Depending on what’s available, I use cashew cream, full-fat coconut milk, or store-bought vegan creamers like Ripple’s Half and Half.

• Spice Level: To adjust the heat, I vary the amount of red chili flakes to suit my preference.

• Greens: I occasionally replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm the chickpeas and sauce in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove until heated through.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a dish that combines cooked chicken with a sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce. The original recipe is made with heavy cream and chicken breasts, but in vegan versions, they’re swapped for vegan cream and canned chickpeas.

Why is it called Marry Me Chickpeas?

It’s simple: the silky smooth cashew cream sauce, Italian flavors, and hearty chickpeas in every bite are so good that you’re bound to get a marriage proposal from anyone you serve it to!

What can I use instead of chickpeas?

Canned cannellini beans or another white bean will work well. For a meatier dish, I use vegan chicken, homemade seitan bites, or baked tofu.

How can I thicken the cream sauce?

I recommend making the cream sauce with cashew cream for a thick and luxurious consistency. While store-bought vegan cream or coconut milk also work, they’ll make the sauce slightly thinner. To help thicken it, I stir a cornstarch slurry (made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water) into the sauce at the end and gently simmer until it thickens.

How do I store the leftovers?

The leftovers will keep for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I enjoy them for quick and easy meals or meal prep throughout the week. To reheat, I microwave the chickpeas and sauce or warm them in a saucepan on the stove until heated through.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a flavorful and satisfying vegan dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With its creamy, Tuscan-inspired sauce and hearty chickpeas, it’s a meal I turn to time and again for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.