This one-pot Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a creamy, rich, and flavor-packed dish with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and fresh basil. This dish is a vegetarian twist on the famous "Marry Me" sauce, known for its irresistible combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. It's a 30-minute meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.

These creamy chickpeas pair well with some sourdough or garlic bread on the side, perfect for scooping up the sauce.

If you like this recipe, make sure you've tried my Marry Me Pasta (it's vegan!), this creamy Tuscan white bean skillet, or this delicious sun-dried tomato and mozzarella pasta.  These baked feta chickpeas are another chickpea recipe that you'll love.

Ingredient Notes

Here's what makes this dish shine and how you can substitute ingredients:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Using the oil from the jar adds extra flavor and richness. If you don't have it, use olive oil.
  
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide an intense, slightly sweet tangy flavor. If unavailable, try cherry tomatoes roasted in olive oil.
  
• Chickpeas: Use canned or jarred chickpeas for convenience. If using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them first.
  
• Vegetable Stock: Enhances the depth of flavor. You can also use chickpea broth (aquafaba) or water with a stock cube. I tend to use jarred chickpeas (Bold Bean Co specifically!) and use the water the chickpeas come in to mix with a stock cube and some hot water for added flavor!
  
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and luscious. For a lighter option, use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
  
• Hard Cheese (Pecorino or Parmesan): Adds a sharp, salty umami. Use a vegan Parmesan substitute if needed.
  
• Spinach & Basil: Bring freshness to the dish. You can swap spinach for kale or leave out the basil if necessary.

Variations & Substitutions

To make it vegan, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy. Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier addition, and top your chickpeas with a spiced tofu fillet like in my Marry Me Pasta recipe for added protein!

How To Make This Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

The full recipe is below, but here's an overview with tips:

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a pan, then add the diced red onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Build the Flavor

Stir in your tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes and cook both for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.

3. Add the Chickpeas & Stock

Add your chickpeas and seasonings, stirring until well-coated. Then, pour in the vegetable stock and simmer the pan for 5 minutes.

4. Finish with Cream & Cheese

Stir in your chopped fresh or frozen spinach, cooking until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, then add grated hard cheese. Mix everything until combined, then finish with shredded basil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Top Tips \ Chef's Notes

I make some variation of this "Marry Me" dish almost weekly, so I've picked up a lot of tips along the way! Here's a few top tips for making the most out of this dish.

• Let the tomato paste cook down before adding the remaining ingredients. This enhances the deep, rich flavor.
• Don't skip the lemon juice! It balances the creaminess and adds brightness. Alternatively, you could consider adding a splash of white wine and letting it cook down just before you add the tomato paste.
• For a thicker sauce, let the dish simmer a little longer before adding cream. You could also crush down some of the chickpeas for a thicker consistency.
• Want it extra cheesy? Add more Pecorino or Parmesan (if you're not vegetarian/vegan) at the end.

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You could also freeze your Marry Me chickpeas for up to 3 months, but note that the spinach and basil may soften upon defrosting.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free? 
Yes! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.

Can I use dried chickpeas? 
Yes, but they need to be soaked and cooked until tender first.

What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes? 
Use roasted cherry tomatoes for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I add more protein? 
Absolutely! Stir in tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils.