Win hearts and prepare to fall in love with these Marry Me Chickpeas! This vegetarian twist on Marry Me Chicken features a creamy Italian-style tomato sauce that perfectly complements nutritious chickpeas. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for date night, family dinners, or a cozy evening at home. The blend of flavors and textures will make your taste buds dance, making it a standout meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream creates a rich, satisfying sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these Marry Me Chickpeas as a main course, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or over pasta.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and fresh herbs, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Vegetarian Delight: A fantastic option for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smoother, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you create these Marry Me Chickpeas effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saute pan or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saute pan or pot: This allows for even cooking of the chickpeas and sauce while providing enough space to stir comfortably.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring that all ingredients blend well together.
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 Filling
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL)
- 2 15-oz cans chickpeas (drained, 425 g cans)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (can sub half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
How to Make How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
Heat 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic along with ½ tsp each of salt, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in ¼ tsp of ground black pepper. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Fillings
Stir in ½ cup of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes followed by 1 cup of vegetable broth and add the drained chickpeas from 2 cans. Continue to cook on medium heat uncovered for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with ½ cup grated parmesan cheese and finish with 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh basil. Serve warm with crusty bread for an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
These Marry Me Chickpeas are not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience to savor. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your dish and impress your guests.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful twist with garlic bread, enhancing the meal’s aroma and taste.
Over Rice
- Steamed White Rice: Light and fluffy rice complements the richness of the chickpeas.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: For a zesty kick, serve with cilantro lime rice that pairs well with the Italian flavors.
With Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing balance the dish’s richness.
- Mediterranean Salad: A refreshing combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta enhances the meal’s Mediterranean essence.
As Part of a Platter
- Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cheeses, and roasted vegetables for a shareable feast.
- Bruschetta Board: Offer various toppings alongside your chickpeas for a fun appetizer spread.
How to Perfect How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Making Marry Me Chickpeas is straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic elevate the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to match your desired spice level.
- Experiment with Creaminess: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for different textures.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition and color in your dish.
- Garnish Beautifully: Top with extra basil or grated parmesan before serving for an appealing presentation.
Best Side Dishes for How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chickpeas enhances your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic provide comfort alongside this rich dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring harmony to the flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and balances the richness of the chickpeas.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini offers a low-carb alternative that pairs well with the sauce.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus adds freshness and crunch to each bite.
- Caprese Skewers: Skewers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make for a vibrant appetizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the garlic and butter mix can lead to bland chickpeas. Always ensure you add enough salt and spices at the beginning for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar sun-dried tomatoes or cream can dull the dish’s taste. Invest in high-quality ingredients for an exceptional meal.
- Overcooking the chickpeas: Cooking chickpeas too long can make them mushy. Remember, they only need to be heated through since they are already cooked from the can.
- Ignoring proper storage: Not storing leftovers correctly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to keep your dish fresh.
- Neglecting garnishes: Forgetting to add fresh basil at the end might take away from the dish’s final touch. Always remember those last-minute garnishes for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it’s best consumed within 2 months.
Reheating How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas that might help you out!
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand according to package instructions.
How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas vegan-friendly?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and omit parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead.
What can I serve with How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with sides!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can enhance this recipe by adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas is not only delicious but also versatile! This vegetarian twist on a classic will surely impress anyone at your dinner table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Try it today and enjoy a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Marry Me Chickpeas
Discover the delightful Marry Me Chickpeas, a vegetarian twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken that’s sure to win hearts at your dinner table. This creamy Italian-style dish features protein-rich chickpeas enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfectly ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for date nights or cozy family dinners. The blend of flavors and textures will make your taste buds dance, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta for a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cans chickpeas (drained)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, salt, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper; cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and drained chickpeas. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or over pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
