Name: Marry Me Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491523H57M5S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp each oregano, thyme, and basil); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Marry Me Chickpeas is a cozy, creamy, and flavorful plant-based twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. It combines chickpeas with a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes—perfect for scooping over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. I love how it turns a pantry staple into something truly comforting and crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe is both hearty and wholesome. The chickpeas soak up all the flavor from the creamy, garlicky tomato sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth that makes every bite interesting. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, fully vegetarian, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion or shallot
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
Tomato paste
Heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)
Vegetable broth
Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
I add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them cook until fragrant.
I stir in tomato paste and cook it down for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the vegetable broth and cream, stirring to create a smooth, rich sauce.
I season with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if I want a little spice), salt, and pepper.
I add the chickpeas and simmer for 10–15 minutes, letting them absorb all the flavor.
I taste and adjust seasoning, then finish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3–4 servings and takes roughly 25–30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and filling enough to stand on its own.

Variations

I swap the chickpeas for white beans or lentils when I want a different texture.
For a vegan version, I use coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
I sometimes add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
I stir in a bit of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy twist.
If I want it spicier, I add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. It’s also freezer-friendly—I freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What does “Marry Me” mean in this recipe?

It’s based on the idea that the dish is so delicious, someone would propose after tasting it! It started with a chicken version, and this chickpea spin is just as comforting and flavorful.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, and I think it tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to develop, and it reheats beautifully.

What should I serve it with?

I usually serve it with rice, pasta, couscous, or even a slice of toasted sourdough. It’s also great on its own as a stew.

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yes, but I make sure to cook them fully before adding them to the recipe. I soak and boil them in advance to save time during the meal prep.

How do I make this dish more protein-rich?

I sometimes add tofu, tempeh, or a scoop of cooked quinoa to bulk it up even more, especially if I’m using it for meal prep.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chickpeas is one of those dishes I make when I want something rich and cozy without a lot of fuss. The creamy sauce, bold tomato flavor, and tender chickpeas come together in a way that feels indulgent but is still nourishing. Whether I’m feeding myself or sharing with others, it always earns compliments—and maybe even a proposal or two.