Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chickpeas is a rich and creamy dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in a luscious coconut milk sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (small, minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 30 oz canned chickpeas (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 handful spinach or basil (torn)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, minced onion, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and salt to the pan. Cook while stirring until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine into a creamy sauce. Add the drained chickpeas, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 4: Stir in the torn fresh spinach or basil just before serving. Enjoy with toasted bread, rice, or pasta.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, try roasting the chickpeas before adding them to the sauce.
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried for a milder flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish.
- Swap out spinach or basil for kale or arugula to change the greens.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
Storage
Store leftover Marry Me Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dry chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dry chickpeas fully before using them in this recipe. Canned chickpeas save time and are just as delicious.
Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for both vegan and gluten-sensitive diets.
Print
Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a rich, creamy, and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a luscious tomato and coconut milk sauce, spiced with Italian seasoning and a hint of chili flakes. Perfect served with toasted bread, rice, or pasta, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 30 oz canned chickpeas (2 cans), drained and rinsed
- 1 handful spinach or basil, torn
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil, minced onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato ingredients and spices: Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and salt. Continue sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic and well combined.
- Create sauce and simmer chickpeas: Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring until a uniform sauce forms. Add the drained chickpeas, cover the pan, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chickpeas to warm through.
- Finish with greens: Remove from heat and stir in a handful of torn fresh spinach or basil to add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Serve and store: Serve hot alongside toasted bread, rice, or pasta as desired. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This dish is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan if using vegan-friendly broth.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; drain them if preferred for a lighter sauce.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with fresh basil for a more aromatic profile.
- Leftovers taste great reheated and can be enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: chickpeas recipe, vegetarian dinner, creamy tomato chickpeas, quick vegetarian meal, Mediterranean chickpeas, coconut milk chickpeas

