Marry Me Chickpeas

Name: Marry Me Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup vegetable broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Published: May 16, 2025

by Clare

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Win hearts and prepare to fall in love with this vegetarian twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken! Marry Me Chickpeas feature a creamy Italian-style tomato sauce paired with nutritious chickpeas. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy date night or any weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes elevates the simple chickpeas to a new level.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course, or pair it with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
Vegetarian Delight: With no meat involved, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan.
Nutritious Ingredients: Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools to streamline your process. These essential items will help you create the perfect Marry Me Chickpeas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large sauté pan or pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large sauté pan or pot: A spacious pan allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients finely without risk of slipping.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp each salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained (425 g each)

For Creaminess

1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half)
½ cup grated parmesan

For Garnish

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Heat the butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add Fillings

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and chickpeas. Let the mixture cook uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chickpeas!

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Marry Me Chickpeas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your meal even more enjoyable.

With Crusty Bread

Dipping Delight: Serve warm with slices of crusty bread for a perfect dipping experience. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Over Pasta

Pasta Perfection: Spoon the chickpea mixture over your favorite pasta for a heartier meal. This adds a satisfying texture and makes it more filling.

In a Salad

Chickpea Salad: Toss the Marry Me Chickpeas into a fresh green salad. Their creamy texture pairs well with crisp vegetables, creating a delightful contrast.

As a Stuffed Vegetable

Stuffed Peppers or Zucchini: Use the chickpeas as a filling for roasted peppers or zucchini boats. This is an excellent way to add more veggies to your plate.

In Tacos

Chickpea Tacos: Fill soft corn or flour tortillas with the Marry Me Chickpeas, topped with avocado and fresh cilantro for a fun twist on taco night.

As a Dip

Creamy Dip: Blend the chickpeas into a smoother consistency and use them as a dip for chips or vegetable sticks. It’s an easy appetizer for gatherings.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas

To elevate your Marry Me Chickpeas, follow these simple tips for perfecting this dish every time you make it.

Bold Flavor Boost: Add more spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
Creamy Texture Tip: For an even creamier sauce, blend in some cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Fresh Herbs Addition: Experiment with other herbs such as parsley or thyme for varied flavors.
Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving for added crunch.
Vegetable Variety: Include additional veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
Make it Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this dish.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chickpeas can elevate your meal further. Here are some fantastic options that complement the flavors beautifully.

Garlic Bread: A classic side, garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for scooping up the chickpeas.
Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad balances the richness of the chickpeas while adding crisp greens.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide natural sweetness and texture alongside the creamy sauce.
Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy quinoa pilaf serves as a healthy base that absorbs the delicious chickpea sauce well.
Steamed Asparagus: Steamed asparagus adds elegance to your plate while offering freshness to balance out the dish.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned lightly complements the hearty nature of Marry Me Chickpeas perfectly.
Couscous Salad: A warm couscous salad mixed with herbs enhances this Italian-inspired meal beautifully.
Mediterranean Flatbreads: Soft flatbreads are great for wrapping around any leftover chickpeas, making them fun finger food!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the Flavor Base: Failing to sauté the garlic and spices first leads to a bland sauce. Always start by cooking these ingredients to enhance their flavors.
Not Using Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in a dull dish. Be generous with salt and spices, adjusting them to your taste.
Ignoring the Creaminess Factor: If you skip the heavy cream or parmesan, the dish might lack that rich texture. Use these ingredients for a luxurious finish.
Overcooking the Chickpeas: Cooking chickpeas for too long can make them mushy. Add them just enough time to warm through without losing their texture.
Serving Without Accompaniments: This dish shines when served with crusty bread. Don’t forget to add sides that complement its flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Marry Me Chickpeas in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas

Portion the chickpeas into freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring each time.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Chickpeas.

Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan version.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or even pasta. Choose your favorite side!

How do I adjust the spice level in Marry Me Chickpeas?

You can reduce or increase crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start small and adjust as needed!

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand until tender before adding them to your sauce.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful twist on the beloved classic that promises flavor and comfort. Its quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or romantic dinners at home. Feel free to customize this recipe with different herbs or veggies according to your taste preferences!

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