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Marry Me Chickpeas is a creamy, savory Italian dish made with tender chickpeas simmered in a garlic, tomato, and cream sauce.

Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

Marry Me Chickpeas is a creamy, savory Italian dish made with tender chickpeas simmered in a garlic, tomato, and cream sauce. It’s a satisfying, plant-based dinner option that’s full of flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chickpeas:
  • 2 cups canned chickpeas drained and rinsed (or 1 cup dried chickpeas, cooked)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for vegan version
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional for added brightness
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option). Stir to combine, then lower the heat and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce is creamy and has thickened.
  5. Combine the Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas back into the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat the chickpeas in the creamy sauce, then simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the chickpeas to absorb the flavors.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Marry Me Chickpeas over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • You can add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for more variety.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.