Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful plant-based twist on the famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. This creamy, rich, and garlicky dish delivers all the flavor and comfort of its original inspiration—without the meat! It’s the perfect meal for both vegans and non-vegans looking for a protein-packed, satisfying dinner.
The combination of chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious dairy-free creamy sauce makes this dish a must-try. It’s ideal for busy weeknights since it comes together in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it’s guaranteed to impress.
If you love comforting, one-pan meals that are both healthy and indulgent, Marry Me Chickpeas is about to become your new go-to recipe!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pan Meal: Less mess, less cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet.
- Rich & Creamy (Without Dairy!): The sauce is made with coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious texture.
- Packed with Protein: Chickpeas provide a plant-based protein boost, making this dish both hearty and nutritious.
- Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy them for days.
Marry Me Chickpeas combines indulgent flavors with nourishing ingredients, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s a dish that even non-vegans will love!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk or cashew cream
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Equipment Used
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
Directions & Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Chickpeas & Spices:
- Toss in the chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk (or cashew cream).
- Stir in the nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami depth of flavor.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Enjoy your Marry Me Chickpeas over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, while coconut milk adds healthy fats for a satisfying meal. Nutritional yeast offers extra B vitamins, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious!
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Try tofu or white beans instead of chickpeas.
- Creamy Tomato Base: Blend some of the sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a richer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marry Me Chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, quinoa, rice, or even toasted bread. - Can I freeze it?
Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop. - What can I use instead of coconut milk?
Cashew cream, oat milk, or almond cream work well for a dairy-free alternative.
Pro Tips by Elisa
- Sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes in oil first enhances their sweetness.
- Let the sauce simmer to develop a richer, deeper flavor.
- Stir in fresh herbs at the end for a burst of brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marry Me Chickpeas with:
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Fluffy jasmine rice
- Whole wheat pasta
- Roasted vegetables
Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas are a creamy, garlicky, and satisfying plant-based dish. Ready in 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal!
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Can opener
- 1 can (15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned coconut milk or cashew cream
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the Chickpeas & Spices:
- Toss in the chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk (or cashew cream).
- Stir in the nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami depth of flavor.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finish & Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your Marry Me Chickpeas over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread!
Sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes in oil first enhances their sweetness.
Let the sauce simmer to develop a richer, deeper flavor.
Stir in fresh herbs at the end for a burst of brightness.