Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful vegan dish that will charm your taste buds and steal your heart. The creamy texture, combined with the savory flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices, makes this recipe a standout. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also offers a comforting and satisfying meal option for everyone.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chickpeas
If you are a fan of chickpeas, you will adore Marry Me Chickpeas. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. The creamy sauce wraps around the chickpeas and spinach, delivering a delicious burst of taste with every bite. Plus, it’s fully plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (See Notes)
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)

Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Now add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red chili flakes as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated vegan parmesan if using.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, or over cooked rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato. Enjoy!
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas can be served in various ways to suit your preferences. For a cozy dinner, pair it with crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it over a bed of warm rice or pasta, making it a versatile meal option. Add some fresh basil on top for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Store Marry Me Chickpeas
If you have leftovers, you can store Marry Me Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chickpeas Perfect
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor of this dish. Opt for fresh basil if possible.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red chili flakes. For more heat, feel free to add extra.
- Cream Alternatives: If you don’t have vegan cream, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich texture.

Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 5 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) Use oil-packed for more flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper To taste
For the main mixture
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed) Rinsed to remove excess sodium
- 1 cup vegetable broth Low sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream Can substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced) Fresh, for added nutrients
- 4-5 leaves fresh basil (chopped) Add at the end for freshness
- 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (optional) Use for added flavor
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Now add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red chili flakes as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated vegan parmesan if using.
Notes
Flavor Variations
- Add Protein: You can mix in cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and texture.
- Veggie Boost: Include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Different Herbs: Try experimenting with other herbs like thyme or parsley to give the dish a unique twist.
Pro Tips for Success
- Rinse the Chickpeas: Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly before using them to remove excess sodium and minimize the “canned” taste.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the garlic over low heat prevents it from burning, which can create a bitter flavor.
- Fresh vs. Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor, but feel free to substitute them with fresh tomatoes for a lighter taste.
FAQs About Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Chickpeas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving to enjoy that fresh, rich flavor.
What can I substitute for vegan cream?
If you don’t have vegan cream, coconut milk or cashew cream works well as a substitute. Both will still give you a creamy texture.
Is it possible to freeze Marry Me Chickpeas?
While it can be frozen, the texture may change due to the cream. For best results, store it in the refrigerator and consume within a few days. If you do freeze it, be sure to store in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chickpeas is a fantastic dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into a single pan meal. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple dish for meal prep, this recipe will not disappoint. With its creamy texture and fragrant herbs, it truly embodies comfort food. Give it a try, and you may just fall in love with it!
