Marry Me Chickpeas

Win hearts and prepare to fall in love with this vegetarian twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken! Marry Me Chickpeas feature a creamy Italian-style tomato sauce paired with nutritious chickpeas. Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy date night or any weeknight dinner.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sauce Base
• For the Chickpea Mixture
• For Creaminess
• For Garnish
• How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
• Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
• Step 2: Add Fillings
• Step 3: Finish the Dish
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas
• With Crusty Bread
• Over Rice or Quinoa
• As a Stuffed Bell Pepper Filling
• Mixed into Pasta
• On a Salad
• As a Standalone Main Dish
• How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas
• Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas
• Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Marry Me Chickpeas?
• Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan?
• How spicy are Marry Me Chickpeas?
• What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a rich, savory taste that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main course or served as an appetizer, these chickpeas can adapt to any occasion.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, this dish supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight: This recipe caters to vegetarians while still appealing to meat lovers with its hearty texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Marry Me Chickpeas, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sauté pan or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sauté pan or pot: Essential for cooking the chickpeas evenly while allowing space for the sauce to develop its flavors.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

For the Sauce Base

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp each salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For the Chickpea Mixture

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained (425 g each)

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated parmesan

For Garnish

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Heat the butter in a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 2: Add Fillings

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and chickpeas. Let the mixture cook uncovered on medium heat for 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and fresh basil. Mix until everything is well combined for a rich and creamy texture.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delightful Marry Me Chickpeas!

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Marry Me Chickpeas are versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve this creamy dish for a perfect dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your Marry Me Chickpeas with fresh, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the chickpeas over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds a hearty base and enhances the dish’s nutritional value.

As a Stuffed Bell Pepper Filling

• Use Marry Me Chickpeas as a filling for roasted bell peppers. Top with cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor.

Mixed into Pasta

• Toss Marry Me Chickpeas with your favorite pasta. This creates a creamy pasta dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.

On a Salad

• Add Marry Me Chickpeas to your favorite salad for an extra protein boost. They pair well with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette.

As a Standalone Main Dish

• Enjoy Marry Me Chickpeas on their own as a satisfying main course. Garnish with additional basil for freshness.

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How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas

To ensure your Marry Me Chickpeas turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Spices: Customize the spice levels by adding more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for the sauce.
• Cook Time Matters: Avoid overcooking the chickpeas; they should be tender but not mushy.
• Presentation is Key: Serve in an attractive bowl and garnish with fresh basil or parmesan cheese for an appealing look.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time, then reheat gently before serving to blend flavors even more.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chickpeas can enhance your meal experience. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is ideal for soaking up that delicious sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess of the chickpeas.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition while complementing the main dish.
4. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs offers a fragrant base that pairs well with chickpeas.
5. Mediterranean Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with olives and feta cheese enhances the Italian flavors.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds vibrant green color and is loaded with nutrients.
7. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles offer a light alternative that can be topped with the chickpea sauce.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side, perfectly complementing the creamy texture of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and even the best recipes can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Marry Me Chickpeas.

• Ignoring the Garlic: Not cooking the garlic long enough can lead to a raw flavor. Make sure to sauté it until fragrant for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Chickpeas: Cooking chickpeas too long can make them mushy. Aim for just 5 minutes in the sauce to keep them firm.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Don’t skip this ingredient for a fresh taste.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste before serving. You may need more salt or spice based on personal preference.
• Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of sun-dried tomatoes affects the overall dish. Choose high-quality ones for better flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Marry Me Chickpeas that might help you perfect this recipe.

What are Marry Me Chickpeas?

Marry Me Chickpeas is a vegetarian dish featuring chickpeas in a creamy Italian-style tomato sauce, inspired by Marry Me Chicken.

Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

How spicy are Marry Me Chickpeas?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding or reducing crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chickpeas is not only delicious but also versatile and quick to prepare. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your palate!