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 Base
• For the Sauce
• For the Chickpeas
• For Creaminess
• For Freshness
• 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
• On a Bed of Greens
• As an Appetizer
• Paired with Pasta
• With a Side Salad
• 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
• How can I make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan?
• Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
• What dishes pair well with Marry Me Chickpeas?
• How do I customize 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 perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce makes every bite delicious.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread or a salad, it fits any occasion.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas, it’s a healthy choice for everyone.
• Vegetarian Delight: A fantastic option for meatless meals that even non-vegetarians will love.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up delicious Marry Me Chickpeas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sauté pan or pot: Provides enough space to cook all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients thoroughly while protecting your cookware’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the 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 Sauce

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)

For the Chickpeas

• 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 Freshness

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 to allow the flavors to meld together.

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.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with freshly baked crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. The bread absorbs the flavors beautifully.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the chickpeas over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. This adds texture and makes for a filling dish.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. The greens add a refreshing crunch and balance out the richness of the sauce.

As an Appetizer

• Use as a dip with pita chips or veggie sticks. This is perfect for parties and gatherings, making it an excellent finger food option.

Paired with Pasta

• Toss the chickpeas with your favorite pasta for an Italian-inspired twist. It’s a simple way to make this dish even more filling.

With a Side Salad

• Complement with a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This contrast will brighten up the meal while keeping it healthy.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas

To ensure your Marry Me Chickpeas turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to increase or decrease crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
• Experiment with Cheeses: You can substitute parmesan with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Make It Vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a delicious vegan version.
• Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas

When enjoying Marry Me Chickpeas, pairing it with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies add texture and nutrition while balancing flavors.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
4. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs enhances the overall flavor profile.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus spears offer a nice crunch and vibrant color.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf adds an aromatic element that pairs well with chickpeas.
7. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli rounds out this wholesome meal.
8. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a bright and flavorful side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

• Skipping the Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Don’t leave it out; sauté it until fragrant for the best taste.
• Overcooking Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are already cooked. Just heat them through; overcooking can make them mushy.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Each herb and spice enhances the dish. Don’t skip any; measure carefully for balanced flavors.
• Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of sun-dried tomatoes affects the sauce’s taste. Choose high-quality ones for a richer flavor.
• Not Stirring Enough: To prevent sticking or burning, stir frequently during cooking. This ensures even heating and flavor distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easy meal prep.

Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm, about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk. Ensure that the parmesan is replaced with a vegan cheese option.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them beforehand. Soak dried chickpeas overnight and then boil until tender before adding them to your sauce.

What dishes pair well with Marry Me Chickpeas?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad. It’s versatile enough for any side!

How do I customize Marry Me Chickpeas?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or alter the spices based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chickpeas is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious and satisfying. This dish is perfect for date nights or casual dinners alike. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours! Enjoy every mouthful of this delightful recipe!