Marry Me Chickpeas Creamy Herb (Printable)

Creamy chickpeas simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a rich sauce for a hearty 30-minute meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chickpeas & Vegetables

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if oil-packed and sliced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach, loosely packed

→ Sauce

06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth
13 - 3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finish

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish
16 - Zest of 1 lemon

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas; sauté for another 2 minutes.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
07 - Finish with lemon zest and fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt or herbs as needed.
08 - Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or with pasta.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce is impossibly rich and velvety without needing any heavy technique
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
  • Dont let the garlic burn when you add the spices, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly for that one minute
  • The sauce will thicken as it stands off the heat, so don't worry if it looks slightly thin when you first add the cream
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add even more flavor, just use that oil as part of your tablespoon of olive oil
03 -
  • Toast some pine nuts or walnuts and sprinkle them on top for a lovely crunch that contrasts the creamy sauce
  • If you want it extra indulgent, add a dollop of ricotta or burrata right before serving

Go Back