Marry Me Chickpeas 💍🌱 Creamy, Garlicky, Plant-Based Magic With a Flavor-First Kick

Marry Me Chickpeas reimagines the viral classic with chickpeas as the star — simmered in a garlicky sun-dried tomato-Parmesan cream sauce that’s hearty, silky, and perfect for piling over rice, pasta, or a toasted slab of sourdough.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• ¾ cup vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream or cashew cream for dairy-free)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cups baby spinach or kale
• Fresh basil or parsley for finish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.

Step 2: Simmer the Chickpeas

Add chickpeas, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes so the chickpeas soften and absorb flavor.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Stir in cream and Parmesan (or your vegan alternative). Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in spinach to wilt, if using.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread. Top with fresh basil or parsley and a final sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast.

Flavor Variations

• Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra depth
• Use coconut milk + curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist
• Make it spicy with Calabrian chili paste or harissa
• Try smoked paprika and lemon zest for a smoky-bright variation

Pro Tips

• Mash a few chickpeas in the pan to naturally thicken the sauce
• For a thinner sauce, add a splash more broth or cream
• Leftovers are excellent — the sauce gets deeper and thicker overnight
• For meal prep: refrigerates well for 3–4 days

Serving Ideas

• Ladled over farro or quinoa for a grain bowl
• Stuffed into a toasted pita with arugula and pickled onions
• Paired with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad
• As a hearty dip with flatbread or naan

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chickpeas prove you don’t need meat to bring the richness, romance, or flavor punch. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with plant-based power — the kind of dish that satisfies deeply and quickly becomes a regular in your weeknight lineup.

Simmer it. Sauce it. Fall for the flavor. 💍🌱🔥

💍 Explore Marry Me Dinner Recipes

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting — these “Marry Me” dishes are the kind of meals that win hearts (and second helpings). Perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or just impressing yourself.

🍗 Marry Me Chicken Recipe – The viral sensation: creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken that lives up to the name.
🍝 Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – That same bold flavor wrapped in a creamy pasta hug.
🥣 Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe – Cozy, creamy, and packed with savory depth.
🐟 Marry Me Salmon Recipe – A buttery, sun-dried tomato twist on your favorite fish.
🍲 Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe – Creamy orzo meets juicy chicken in a one-pan stunner.
🫕 Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Same flavor magic, made even easier in the slow cooker.
🌱 Marry Me Chickpea Recipe – A plant-based version with creamy sauce and tender chickpeas.
🍤 Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe – Sweet shrimp meets a silky, tomato-cream sauce.
🥓 Keto Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Low-carb but still full of bold flavor and creamy goodness.