Marry Me Chicken is one of the most popular recipes on GypsyPlate, and honestly, that creamy, dreamy sauce totally won me over. After that, I couldn’t resist making Marry Me Salmon, which turned out to be a hit, too. Now, I’m taking it one step further and adding something special for my vegetarian readers with this new addition to the Marry Me series! That’s how Marry Me Chickpeas came to be! It’s the perfect vegetarian twist in the series, having that same indulgent, creamy sauce that’s loved in the original. But instead of chicken or salmon, I’ve got chickpeas soaking up all the yummy cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and super easy to make, so it’s perfect for a cozy dinner, or even a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together.
Ingredients Needed
Butter – It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Garlic – Fresh garlic adds that delicious, bold flavor. Red chili flakes – I like adding a bit of heat to spice things up. Thyme and oregano – These herbs give the dish a nice, earthy taste. Sun-dried tomatoes – They bring a sweet and tangy punch that stands out. Heavy cream or half-and-half – This is what makes the sauce creamy and delicious. Chicken stock – It helps deepen the flavors of the sauce. Parmesan cheese – I love how it adds a salty, cheesy finish. Paprika – A little warmth and smokiness come from this. Fresh basil – Adds a fresh, bright note that lifts the whole dish. Chickpeas – The STAR ingredient, giving the dish protein and heartiness. My preferred brand is Goya, because they are more plump and tender. Spinach – For a pop of color and a fresh, healthy touch. Salt and pepper – Just to season everything perfectly!
Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Alright, here’s how I make my Marry Me Chickpeas, step by step. First, I start by heating up some butter in a big sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once that’s melted and bubbling, I throw in the chopped garlic, red chili flakes, thyme and oregano. I stir it all around for about a minute or two, just until the garlic gets super fragrant and everything smells amazing. Next, I toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for a minute. Then, I pour in the cream and chicken stock, stirring it all together. At this point, I add the shredded parmesan, paprika, and fresh basil. I give it a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything starts to come together and the sauce looks nice and creamy. Now it’s time for the chickpeas! I drain and toss them into the pan. I stir them around, making sure they’re fully coated in that dreamy sauce, and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. I keep stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. After that, I give it a quick taste to check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Finally, I toss in the spinach and cook for a few minutes, just until it wilts a bit. That’s it!
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing it with crusty bread. There’s nothing like dipping fresh bread into that creamy sauce and soaking up all the flavors. Rice is another great option. It’s simple but does a great job of absorbing the sauce, and the chickpeas and rice together make for a hearty, filling meal. Orzo is a fun option if I’m in the mood for something a little different. The tiny pasta fits so well with the creamy sauce and adds a nice texture. If I’m looking for something even lighter, I might serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthy, protein-packed option. Basically, anything that can soak up that dreamy sauce is a winner in my book!
Alpana’s Tips
And there you have it. Marry Me Chickpeas! I’m not saying this dish will make anyone fall in love with you, but if they start hanging around your kitchen a little more often, don’t be surprised. I mean, with all that creamy, garlicky goodness, it’s pretty irresistible. Just make sure to save yourself a plate, because once people get a taste, they’ll be asking for seconds… and possibly thirds!
Marry Me Chickpeas, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
More great meatless dinner ideas:Garlic Parm Cannellini BeansMexican Lentil SoupEggplant ParmesanSpanish Vegetable StewMushroom StroganoffPasta alla NormaGigantes PlakiFalafel
