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Marry Me Chickpeas Vegan Comfort

Category: Plant-Based Perfection

This flavorful plant-based dish combines chickpeas with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic Italian-inspired seasonings, all simmered in a luscious, creamy sauce. Wilted spinach and fresh basil add bright color and fresh notes, while a sprinkle of vegan parmesan brings savory depth. Everything comes together in a single pan in about 15 minutes, offering a satisfying meal whether served with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or atop a baked sweet potato. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners when comfort and simplicity are on the menu.

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By Harper Harper
Updated on Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:24:19 GMT
A bowl of chickpeas with a spoon in it. Save
A bowl of chickpeas with a spoon in it. | flavorrhaven.com

This creamy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe brings together the heartiness of classic comfort food with a vibrant vegan touch. In just fifteen minutes, you can create a bold Italian-inspired dish that feels cozy and just a bit indulgent—perfect for busy weeknights or quick gatherings with friends.

When I first made this for friends on a whim, everyone was shocked at how easy and satisfying it turned out. Now it is my go-to when I want to impress vegans and omnivores alike.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: provides a silky base and enhances all the aromatics. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Fresh garlic: brings pungency and classic Italian aroma. Choose plump cloves and mince them just before cooking.
  • Sun dried tomatoes: add tanginess and lovely umami. Select oil-packed for extra richness, and drain before chopping.
  • Oregano: gives earthy depth, especially if you use a high-quality dried Italian oregano.
  • Red chili flakes: add little sparks of heat. Use freshly opened flakes for the best punch.
  • Salt: helps everything pop and balances acidity.
  • Ground black pepper: for a gentle warmth. Grind fresh for brighter flavor.
  • Canned chickpeas: make this a fast meal. Look for cans with low sodium and no added sugars.
  • Vegetable broth: keeps the sauce light but full of savory notes. Pick a flavor you enjoy sipping.
  • Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato taste. Use high-quality double-concentrated if possible.
  • Vegan cream: brings the essential lushness. Choose a creamy store-bought brand, full fat coconut milk, or homemade cashew cream for best texture.
  • Baby spinach: wilts quickly and adds freshness. Bright leaves are best, avoid any with mushy spots.
  • Fresh basil: finishes the dish with herbal aroma. Stack and chiffonade just before serving.
  • Vegan parmesan: is optional but gives salty cheesy flavor. Choose a brand that melts well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm Aromatics:
Gently heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir frequently for about two minutes. You want the garlic just deeply fragrant not browned.
Layer in Flavor:
Add your sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir for one minute so the spices bloom and the tomatoes soften a little. This step creates the backbone of the sauce.
Simmer Chickpeas and Sauce:
Pour in the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, cream, and sliced spinach. Stir thoroughly to mix all elements. Raise the heat and bring the pan to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook together for five minutes. The spinach should be wilted and the sauce hot and creamy.
Finish with Freshness:
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add chopped basil and the grated vegan parmesan if using. Mix gently until the herbs and cheese melt into the sauce.
Serve:
Spoon the creamy chickpeas into bowls. Serve with thick slices of crusty bread, ladled over warm rice or pasta, or even on top of a baked sweet potato.
A bowl of chickpeas with a slice of bread on top. Save
A bowl of chickpeas with a slice of bread on top. | Flavorrhaven.com

My personal favorite part is stirring in the fresh basil at the end. The aroma fills the kitchen and always makes me think of long Sunday dinners after a day outdoors with my family. Nothing beats the flavor of just-chopped herbs mingling right into the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even deeper overnight and the sauce stays creamy. Reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of water or more cream if the mixture thickens too much in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chickpeas make this dish easy and budget-friendly but you can swap them for white beans or your favorite plant-based chicken pieces. For the vegan cream, homemade cashew cream is truly worth the little extra step if you want super smooth results. If you only have coconut milk or oat creamer on hand, that works too.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chickpeas love a side of good bread for mopping up the sauce. You can also serve them over rice or farro for a heartier meal. For a special touch, sprinkle an extra layer of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe spins off the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, a comfort food favorite but done vegan and with an Italian-inspired twist. The emphasis on bold tomato notes, fresh basil, and a creamy sauce brings in flavors Italians have loved for generations—here, with all the plant-based goodness.

Recipe Questions

→ How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use homemade cashew cream or full fat coconut milk for a rich, velvety sauce. Adjust thickness with a cornstarch slurry if needed.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Enjoy with crusty bread, cooked rice, pasta, or even spooned over a baked sweet potato for a hearty meal.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prep?

Yes, store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely. Try kale or chard for a different texture and flavor. Add tougher greens earlier for extra tenderness.

→ How do I boost the protein content?

Increase chickpeas, add cubed tofu, or top with your favorite vegan chicken substitute for added protein.

Marry Me Chickpeas Vegan Twist

Chickpeas, sun dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and spinach come together for a cozy 15-minute one-pan meal.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
15 minutes
By Harper: Harper

Recipe Category: Vegan

Level of Difficulty: Easy for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Italian-inspired

Portion Output: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Perfect for Vegans, Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten, Free of Dairy

List of Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 5 cloves garlic, minced
03 120 grams sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
04 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
05 0.5 teaspoon red chilli flakes
06 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 850 grams cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed (from 2 x 425 g cans)
09 240 millilitres vegetable broth
10 1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 240 millilitres vegan cream
12 60 grams baby spinach, sliced
13 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ Optional Garnish

14 0.5 cup (about 40 grams) grated vegan parmesan cheese

How to Prepare

Step 01

In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 02

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red chilli flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute to release the flavours.

Step 03

Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and baby spinach. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 04

Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chilli flakes if desired.

Step 05

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and, if using, grated vegan parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread, over cooked rice, pasta, or a baked sweet potato.

Additional Information

  1. For a richer sauce, substitute chickpeas with seitan, tofu, or any vegan chicken alternative.
  2. Any store-bought or homemade vegan cream, such as cashew cream or unsweetened plant milk, is suitable.
  3. To thicken the sauce if needed, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir into the dish just before serving.

Necessary Tools

  • Large sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains nuts if using cashew cream
  • Contains soy if using soy-based plant creams or vegan parmesan

Nutritional Details (per serving)

Nutritional details are for general reference and shouldn't replace expert consultation.
  • Calorie Count: 294
  • Fat: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 33 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams