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Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas

Featured in: The Stars of the Table

This vegan Marry Me Chickpeas transforms the viral Marry Me Chicken into a plant-based delight that's ready in just 15 minutes. The dish combines protein-rich chickpeas with aromatic garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luxuriously creamy sauce. The one-pan recipe offers flexibility with various vegan cream options, from store-bought alternatives to homemade cashew cream. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comfort food can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that's both dairy-free and delicious.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Feb 2025 13:50:51 GMT
Creamy marry me chickpeas simmered in a rich, savory sauce with herbs. Pin it
Creamy marry me chickpeas simmered in a rich, savory sauce with herbs. | tasteofcook.com

A luxurious, creamy sauce envelops perfectly tender chickpeas in this plant-based version of the famous "Marry Me" dish. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in mere minutes. The rich, Tuscan-inspired sauce transforms humble chickpeas into an unforgettable dining experience.

After countless dinner parties, I've found this dish never fails to impress. Even skeptical guests ask for seconds, often not realizing it's completely plant-based. The key lies in allowing the garlic to slowly caramelize, creating a foundation of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Fresh garlic cloves: Firm and heavy, with tight, papery skin, avoid any with green sprouts
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed for the richest flavor, look for deep red color without browning
  • High-quality oregano: Bright green and aromatic
  • Red chili flakes: Adjust amount based on heat preference
  • Premium chickpeas: Hold their shape better, choose cans without dents or bloating
  • Vegetable broth: Homemade provides the best flavor
  • Vegan cream: Cashew cream offers richness, while coconut milk adds subtle sweetness
  • Fresh spinach: Bright green and crisp, baby spinach offers tender texture
  • Fresh basil leaves: Must be vibrant green without dark spots

Creating Your Perfect Dish

Foundation Of Flavors:
Begin with room temperature ingredients for even cooking. Heat pan gradually to prevent oil from smoking. Add minced garlic to cold oil, allowing it to warm together for maximum flavor infusion.
Building The Sauce:
Toast sun-dried tomatoes until they release their oils. Add dried herbs to bloom in the warm oil, enhancing their aromatic compounds. Incorporate tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly.
Final Symphony:
Gradually add cream while stirring continuously to prevent separation. Simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency. Add spinach in batches, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more.
Perfecting The Finish:
Taste and adjust seasonings before adding fresh herbs. Let dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
Flavorful chickpeas in a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce with fresh basil. Pin it
Flavorful chickpeas in a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce with fresh basil. | tasteofcook.com

My journey with this dish began when attempting to create a memorable anniversary dinner. The moment my partner tasted it, they declared it better than any restaurant version we'd tried. Now it's our special occasion go-to, with the leftovers being equally fought over the next day.

Complete Your Meal

Serve over al dente pasta, choosing shapes that catch the sauce well like orecchiette or fusilli. For a lighter option, pair with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Crusty sourdough bread makes the perfect vehicle for capturing every drop of sauce.

Creative Variations

Transform this dish by adding roasted mushrooms for extra umami, or incorporate artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair. For added protein, include pan-seared vegan chicken pieces or tempeh cubes.

Perfect Storage

Keep in an airtight container, laying a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the sauce to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for up to five days, noting the sauce will thicken considerably.

Reheating Magic

Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore the creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add fresh herbs just before serving.

Tender chickpeas cooked in a luxurious, herb-infused sauce. Pin it
Tender chickpeas cooked in a luxurious, herb-infused sauce. | tasteofcook.com

This dish represents everything I love about modern plant-based cooking - it's rich, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy while being surprisingly simple to prepare. The way the chickpeas absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their texture creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Whether served for a romantic dinner or casual family meal, these "Marry Me" chickpeas never fail to impress, proving that plant-based cooking can be both sophisticated and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best vegan cream to use?
Homemade cashew cream provides the richest results, but store-bought dairy-free creamer or full-fat coconut milk work well too.
→ Can I substitute the chickpeas?
Yes, you can use vegan chicken alternatives, seitan, or crispy baked tofu instead of chickpeas.
→ How do I thicken the sauce?
If using store-bought cream, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir into the sauce.
→ What can I serve this with?
Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for dipping. It's also great over baked sweet potatoes.
→ How do I make cashew cream?
Soak 3/4 cup raw cashews in hot water for 5 minutes, drain, then blend with 1 cup fresh water until smooth.

Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas

A creamy, indulgent vegan twist on viral Marry Me Chicken, featuring chickpeas in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 5 cloves garlic, minced
03 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
04 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Seasonings

05 1/2 teaspoon oregano
06 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauce Components

09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 1 cup vegan cream

→ Fresh Additions

12 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
13 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
14 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, cream and spinach. Stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 04

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or a baked sweet potato.

Notes

  1. Can be made with vegan chicken or crispy baked tofu instead of chickpeas
  2. Works with various vegan cream options like store-bought dairy-free creamer, coconut milk, or homemade cashew cream
  3. For thicker sauce with store-bought cream, use cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water)

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender (if making cashew cream)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains cashews (if using cashew cream)
  • Contains coconut (if using coconut milk)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 294
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 10 g