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    Marry Me Chickpeas

    So, here’s the latest scoop in my kitchen, Marry Me Chickpeas!! It’s like the veggie version of Marry Me Chicken, but just as amazing. I am talking creamy parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and herbs, all the good stuff, mixed with tender chickpeas in this rich, marry me sauce. And don’t let the fancy name fool you, it’s super easy to make. I serve it up with some fresh bread, and let’s just say, this is the kind of meal that makes you want to cook it again and again!

    My Marry Me Chickpeas are sure to make you swoon over their creamy, cheesy sauce, which is enhanced by spinach and sundried tomatoes. Great vegetarian meal option!

    Marry Me Chicken is one of the most popular recipes on GypsyPlate, and honestly, that creamy, dreamy sauce totally won me over. After that, I couldn’t resist making Marry Me Salmon, which turned out to be a hit, too. Now, I’m taking it one step further and adding something special for my vegetarian readers with this new addition to the Marry Me series!

    That’s how Marry Me Chickpeas came to be! It’s the perfect vegetarian twist in the series, having that same indulgent, creamy sauce that’s loved in the original. But instead of chicken or salmon, I’ve got chickpeas soaking up all the yummy cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and super easy to make, so it’s perfect for a cozy dinner, or even a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together.

    Bowl of garbanzo beans in a creamy Tuscan sauce.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Butter – It makes the sauce rich and smooth.
    • Garlic – Fresh garlic adds that delicious, bold flavor.
    • Red chili flakes – I like adding a bit of heat to spice things up.
    • Thyme and oregano – These herbs give the dish a nice, earthy taste.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes – They bring a sweet and tangy punch that stands out.
    • Heavy cream or half-and-half – This is what makes the sauce creamy and delicious.
    • Chicken stock – It helps deepen the flavors of the sauce.
    • Parmesan cheese – I love how it adds a salty, cheesy finish.
    • Paprika – A little warmth and smokiness come from this.
    • Fresh basil – Adds a fresh, bright note that lifts the whole dish.
    • Chickpeas – The STAR ingredient, giving the dish protein and heartiness. My preferred brand is Goya, because they are more plump and tender.
    • Spinach – For a pop of color and a fresh, healthy touch.
    • Salt and pepper – Just to season everything perfectly!

    Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

    Alright, here’s how I make my Marry Me Chickpeas, step by step. First, I start by heating up some butter in a big sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once that’s melted and bubbling, I throw in the chopped garlic, red chili flakes, thyme and oregano. I stir it all around for about a minute or two, just until the garlic gets super fragrant and everything smells amazing.

    Next, I toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for a minute. Then, I pour in the cream and chicken stock, stirring it all together. At this point, I add the shredded parmesan, paprika, and fresh basil. I give it a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything starts to come together and the sauce looks nice and creamy.

    Now it’s time for the chickpeas! I drain and toss them into the pan. I stir them around, making sure they’re fully coated in that dreamy sauce, and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. I keep stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. After that, I give it a quick taste to check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Finally, I toss in the spinach and cook for a few minutes, just until it wilts a bit. That’s it!

    Final product in a pot after cooking.

    Serving Suggestions

    I love pairing it with crusty bread. There’s nothing like dipping fresh bread into that creamy sauce and soaking up all the flavors.

    Rice is another great option. It’s simple but does a great job of absorbing the sauce, and the chickpeas and rice together make for a hearty, filling meal.

    Orzo is a fun option if I’m in the mood for something a little different. The tiny pasta fits so well with the creamy sauce and adds a nice texture.

    If I’m looking for something even lighter, I might serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthy, protein-packed option. Basically, anything that can soak up that dreamy sauce is a winner in my book!

    Alpana’s Tips

    1. I always use good-quality parmesan because it really brings out the best flavor in the sauce. Freshly grated is key!
    2. I like to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They’re more tender and flavorful than the dry ones.
    3. If I want a lighter version, I swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, and it still turns out creamy without being too rich.
    4. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine before the cream to add a little extra depth to the sauce.
    5. When seasoning, I always taste before adding salt since parmesan is already pretty salty.
    6. Leftovers reheat perfectly. I just add a little splash of stock or cream to keep the sauce nice and smooth.
    My Marry Me Chickpeas are sure to make you swoon over their creamy, cheesy sauce, which is enhanced by spinach and sundried tomatoes. Great vegetarian meal option!

    And there you have it. Marry Me Chickpeas! I’m not saying this dish will make anyone fall in love with you, but if they start hanging around your kitchen a little more often, don’t be surprised. I mean, with all that creamy, garlicky goodness, it’s pretty irresistible. Just make sure to save yourself a plate, because once people get a taste, they’ll be asking for seconds… and possibly thirds!

    Marry Me Chickpeas, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

    Bowl of marry me chickpeas atop the Gypsy Plate.

    More great meatless dinner ideas:
    Garlic Parm Cannellini Beans
    Mexican Lentil Soup
    Eggplant Parmesan
    Spanish Vegetable Stew
    Mushroom Stroganoff
    Pasta alla Norma
    Gigantes Plaki
    Falafel

    Featured image for marry me chickpeas recipe.

    Marry Me Chickpeas

    Yield: 6 servings
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes

    My Marry Me Chickpeas are sure to make you swoon over their creamy, cheesy sauce, which is enhanced by spinach and sundried tomatoes. Great vegetarian meal option!

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbsp butter
    • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp red chili flakes
    • 1 tsp thyme
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, sliced or diced
    • 1 cup heavy cream (can sub half-and-half)
    • ½ cup chicken stock
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ¾ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
    • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
    • 3 15oz cans of chickpeas, drained
    • 2 cups fresh spinach
    • salt to taste
    • pepper to taste

    Instructions

    1. In a large pot, heat up butter over medium high heat. Add the garlic along with red chili flakes, thyme and oregano, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
    2. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
    3. Add in cream and stock. Mix well. Add in shredded parmesan cheese, paprika, basil leaves and cook for a couple of minutes.
    4. Add in chickpeas, mix well and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
    5. Add in spinach and cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts a bit. Serve immediately with fresh bread, orzo or rice.
    Nutrition Information
    Yield 6 Serving Size 1
    Amount Per Serving Calories 587Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 63mgSodium 365mgCarbohydrates 65gFiber 17gSugar 14gProtein 26g

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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