Name: Marry Me Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for dairy-free); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Marry Me Chickpeas is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe—but made completely plant-based. With tender chickpeas simmered in a savory, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this dish feels indulgent while staying wholesome. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want something comforting, simple, and unexpectedly impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The sauce is creamy and dreamy, with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs coming together in the best way. The chickpeas soak up all that deliciousness, making every bite satisfying and hearty. It’s naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan, plus it pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Marry Me Chickpeas

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
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
Tomato paste
Vegetable broth
Heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I sauté the onion until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
I stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer, then add the chickpeas, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the chickpeas soak up the flavors.
I reduce the heat and stir in the cream, cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have a cozy, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or kale toward the end for a pop of green. If I want a smoky twist, I use smoked paprika or chipotle powder. For extra protein, I stir in tofu or white beans. If I’m not keeping it vegan, I’ve also finished it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I use the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well—I let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container, then thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy. Marry Me Chickpeas

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chickpeas?

It’s a play on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, known for its irresistible creamy tomato sauce. I use chickpeas as the main protein to make it vegetarian-friendly, but the flavor is just as tempting.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, I use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative to keep it dairy-free and still delicious.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?

I like serving it over rice, pasta, couscous, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Can I use dried chickpeas?

If I have the time, yes. I cook them ahead of time until tender and use about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas in place of one can.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless I add red pepper flakes. I adjust the heat depending on who I’m cooking for, so it’s easy to make it mild or spicy.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chickpeas is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but takes no time to make. With a creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chickpeas, it’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether I’m eating it solo or sharing, it always earns a spot on my repeat recipe list.