MARRY ME CHICKPEAS

Marry me chickpeas are the vegetarian answer to that viral Marry Me Chicken recipe. This one-pan meal features tender chickpeas in a luscious Tuscan sauce that’s rich enough to inspire declarations of love.

I threw this together one Wednesday evening when I wanted something comforting but didn’t feel like dealing with meat. I grabbed two cans of chickpeas from my pantry, added sun-dried tomatoes and cream, and within 20 minutes, I had the most incredible dinner. My husband walked in, tried one bite, and joked that he’d marry me all over again just for this recipe. Now I make these chickpeas at least twice a month because they’re quick, use mostly pantry ingredients, and somehow taste even better the next day.

What You’ll Need for Amazing Marry Me Chickpeas

I always buy oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes because they add so much more flavor than the dry kind. Save that flavorful oil for other recipes too.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Use freshly grated parmesan instead of the pre-shredded kind. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, and you’ll end up with a grainy sauce instead of a silky one.

Making This One-Pan Dish

You’ll need a 12-inch sauté pan with high sides for this recipe. Smaller pans will overflow when you add the liquid ingredients.

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once butter melts and starts foaming, add minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Don’t let it brown or it will taste bitter.

Step 2: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and drained chickpeas. Mix everything together so the chickpeas are coated in the seasonings. Continue cooking on medium heat, uncovered, for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces by about one-third. The broth will bubble gently around the edges and the chickpeas will start absorbing the flavors.

Step 3: Turn heat to the lowest setting. Add heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil all at once. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the cheese melts completely into the cream and creates a smooth, velvety sauce. The residual heat is enough to melt everything perfectly without curdling. The sauce will coat the back of your spoon when it’s ready.

What to Serve with This

These creamy chickpeas pair beautifully with simple sides that complement the rich Tuscan sauce.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: Tangy, chewy sourdough is essential for soaking up every drop of that incredible creamy sauce. You’ll want it for sure.

Air Fryer Vegetables: Roasted zucchini and cauliflower add textural contrast and boost the vegetable content, making your meal more balanced and satisfying.

Fluffy Basmati Rice: Light, fragrant rice acts as the perfect base, absorbing the creamy sauce and making the meal more filling without overwhelming the chickpeas.

Warm Garlic Naan: Pillowy naan is ideal for scooping up chickpeas and sauce together, adding an extra layer of comfort to this cozy dish.

Delicious Pairings for a Complete Mediterranean-Inspired Meal

These amazing marry me chickpeas shine when paired with complementary dishes that balance flavors and textures. Serve alongside the vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Soup for a chickpea-lover’s feast, or pair with the warming Chickpea Curry to explore different cultural takes on this versatile legume. The creamy Tuscan sauce in this dish pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of Potato Kale Soup as a starter.

For heartier meal options, the rich Italian flavors complement the savory Keto Tuscan Soup, creating a Tuscan-themed dinner spread that will impress family and guests alike.

Storing and Reheating

Store these chickpeas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue developing as the dish sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Reheat gently in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, warm over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Pair reheated portions with fresh grains like quinoa or rice and some quickly sautéed greens for easy, balanced lunches. This recipe doubles beautifully if you want to meal prep for the entire week.

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