Are you looking for a delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make dish that will make everyone fall in love with it at first bite? “Marry Me Chickpeas” is the perfect vegan dish to impress guests or satisfy your cravings with its rich and aromatic flavors. This hearty meal, inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” is packed with protein, creamy textures, and a burst of sun-dried tomato goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chickpeas
- 100% Vegan & Dairy-Free – This recipe is completely plant-based, making it ideal for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
- Packed with Protein – Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish both filling and nutritious.
- Incredibly Flavorful – Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs create an irresistible taste explosion.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile – Enjoy it with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or even baked sweet potatoes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main 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 (see notes for options)
- 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (Violife recommended)
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large sauté pan over low-medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chickpeas in a Creamy Sauce
- Add the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and vegan cream.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Add Greens & Finishing Touches
- Stir in the sliced baby spinach and let it wilt for about a minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and add the fresh basil and optional vegan parmesan.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, over cooked rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato for a hearty meal.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Vegan Cream Alternatives: You can use canned coconut milk, cashew cream, or store-bought vegan heavy cream for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best, but if using dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
- Make It Spicier: Add more red chili flakes for an extra kick!
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chickpeas is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- With Pasta – Toss it with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.
- Over Rice – A great gluten-free option!
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up the rich sauce.
- On a Baked Sweet Potato – A delicious, healthy twist.
Marry Me Chickpeas: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Vegan Delight
Are you looking for a delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make dish that will make everyone fall in love with it at first bite? “Marry Me Chickpeas” is the perfect vegan dish to impress guests or satisfy your cravings with its rich and aromatic flavors. This hearty meal, inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” is packed with protein, creamy textures, and a burst of sun-dried tomato goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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 (see notes for options)
- 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (Violife recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large sauté pan over low-medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chickpeas in a Creamy Sauce
- Add the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and vegan cream.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Add Greens & Finishing Touches
- Stir in the sliced baby spinach and let it wilt for about a minute.
- Remove the pan from heat and add the fresh basil and optional vegan parmesan.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, over cooked rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes