If you want a comforting, rich, and surprisingly impressive plant-based dinner, Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas with Simple Ingredients is the recipe to make tonight. This dish takes humble canned chickpeas and transforms them into something special using a creamy tomato sauce, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. It is the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in one skillet using pantry staples.
This recipe is inspired by the popular “marry me” style sauces that are known for being creamy, savory, and totally irresistible. The name may be playful, but the flavor is very real. It is cozy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe has become a favorite for home cooks.
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-skillet recipe with minimal cleanup
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan
- Rich, creamy flavor without being complicated
Even if you are not usually excited about chickpeas, this dish may change your mind. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a bold, savory depth that makes the whole dish feel special.
Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 half teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient and perfect here. If using cooked dried chickpeas, measure about 3 cups.
- Heavy cream: For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor. Drain them lightly, but do not rinse.
- Parmesan: This is optional. Omit for a fully vegan dish or replace with a dairy-free alternative.
- No alcohol: This recipe contains no wine or alcohol.
- No pork: There are no pork products used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato paste deepens in color and coats the pan.
Step 3: Add Chickpeas
Add the drained chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well so the chickpeas are evenly coated with the garlic and tomato mixture. Let them cook for about 2 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth and add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Do not rush the garlic. Gentle heat keeps it fragrant, not bitter.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt carefully, especially if using Parmesan.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes to thicken naturally.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize.
- Spinach addition: Stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
- Extra creamy: Add an extra splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Herby twist: Add fresh thyme or oregano with the basil.
- Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Protein boost: Add cooked white beans along with the chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas can be served in many delicious ways:
- Over pasta or gnocchi
- Spoon over rice or quinoa
- With crusty bread for dipping
- Over mashed potatoes
- As a filling for wraps or bowls
This dish works equally well as a main course or a hearty side dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly, but stirring while reheating helps.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas with Simple Ingredients
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Des pois chiches fondants mijotés dans une sauce tomate crémeuse à l’ail, aux herbes et aux tomates séchées, une recette végétarienne réconfortante et pleine de saveur, prête en un rien de temps.
Ingredients
- 2 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive ou de beurre
- 4 gousses d’ail, émincées
- 1/3 tasse de tomates séchées, hachées
- 2 cuillères à soupe de concentré de tomate
- 2 boîtes de pois chiches, rincés et égouttés
- 240 ml de bouillon de légumes
- 180 ml de crème épaisse
- 1 cuillère à café d’assaisonnement italien
- 1/4 cuillère à café de flocons de piment rouge (optionnel)
- 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/4 cuillère à café de poivre noir
- 1/3 tasse de parmesan râpé (optionnel)
- Basilic frais ou persil haché pour garnir
Instructions
- Faire chauffer l’huile d’olive ou le beurre dans une grande poêle à feu moyen.
- Ajouter l’ail et cuire environ 30 secondes jusqu’à ce qu’il soit parfumé.
- Incorporer les tomates séchées et le concentré de tomate.
- Cuire 1 à 2 minutes en remuant jusqu’à ce que le concentré colore légèrement.
- Ajouter les pois chiches et bien mélanger pour les enrober.
- Verser le bouillon de légumes et ajouter l’assaisonnement italien, le piment, le sel et le poivre.
- Porter à frémissement.
- Réduire le feu et incorporer la crème en remuant.
- Laisser mijoter doucement 5 à 7 minutes jusqu’à épaississement.
- Ajouter le parmesan si utilisé, mélanger et ajuster l’assaisonnement.
- Retirer du feu et garnir d’herbes fraîches avant de servir.
Notes
Utiliser des tomates séchées à l’huile pour plus de saveur. Laisser reposer quelques minutes avant de servir pour une sauce plus onctueuse.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Plat Principal
- Method: Poêlé
- Cuisine: Végétarienne
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Marry Me Chickpeas
Why are they called Marry Me Chickpeas?
The name comes from the rich, creamy sauce that is so good it is jokingly said to inspire marriage proposals. It is a fun name for a seriously comforting dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is mild with a gentle warmth. The red pepper flakes are optional and easy to adjust.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the recipe. Canned chickpeas are faster and more convenient.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted cherry tomatoes or a small amount of chopped roasted red peppers can work, but the flavor will be less intense.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas with Simple Ingredients is proof that easy meals can still feel special. With its rich sauce, bold flavors, and comforting texture, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meatless meals, or anytime you want something cozy and satisfying. Once you try it, it just might earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.