Name: Marry Me Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tuscan-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup vegan cream (such as Ripple half‑and‑half or cashew cream); 2 cups baby spinach, sliced; 4–5 fresh basil leaves, chopped; Optional: ½ cup grated vegan Parmesan (such as Violife)

I fell head over heels for this one-pan, vegan twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken—creamy, savory, and ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for cozy dinners and sure to elicit “Will you marry me?” vibes! Marry Me Chickpeas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers rich, Tuscan-inspired flavors with minimal effort. It’s loaded with plant-based protein from chickpeas, comes together in one pan with everyday ingredients, and takes under 15 minutes from start to finish. The creaminess, the savory garlic, and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes all come together like a dream.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup vegan cream (such as Ripple half-and-half or cashew cream)
2 cups baby spinach, sliced
4–5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional: ½ cup grated vegan Parmesan (I used Violife)

directions

In a large pan over medium-low heat, I warm the olive oil and cook the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper, letting everything cook for another minute.
I add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. I let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s warmed through and the spinach is wilted.
After turning off the heat, I stir in the chopped basil and vegan Parmesan.
I serve it right away over pasta, rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes just 15 minutes total—about 5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook. It’s a great option when I want something hearty and satisfying on a tight schedule.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chickpeas for white beans, tofu, or even vegan chicken for variety.
If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end.
I love bulking it up with extra veggies like sautéed zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
To spice it up, I’ll add more red chili flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I reheat it, I use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chickpeas?

It’s a plant-based take on the viral Marry Me Chicken—chickpeas cooked in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. The flavor is so good, it just might inspire a proposal.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, I can use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked. I use about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas to replace the canned version.

What if I don’t have vegan cream?

If I’m out of vegan cream, I blend soaked cashews with a bit of water until smooth. Coconut milk also works, though it adds a different flavor.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chickpeas?

Yes, I freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, but I always double-check that the vegan cream and Parmesan I’m using are certified gluten-free if serving someone with allergies.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is one of my go-to plant-based comfort meals—simple, creamy, and full of bold flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough for when I want to impress. Whether I pair it with pasta, rice, or fresh bread, it never fails to deliver comfort in every bite.