Name: Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup vegan cream; 2 cups baby spinach (sliced); 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped); Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (such as Violife)

There’s something incredibly comforting and simple about this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe that just hits the spot. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in no time—it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making on repeat, especially when you want a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.

A close-up view of a large pot filled with a thick orange sauce mixed with whole round chickpeas and green spinach leaves scattered throughout. There are small pieces of red vegetables or spices spread evenly in the creamy mixture. A wooden spatula with a smooth worn texture is partially visible on the right side, resting inside the pot. The pot is shiny silver on the outside and placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of crusty bread nearby. The overall texture looks rich and creamy with visible herbs and spices mixed in photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited about this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe because it’s a simple spin on the viral Marry Me Chicken that’s surprisingly rich and indulgent without any animal products. It’s the kind of meal you can count on to impress guests or simply satisfy your own cravings on a busy weeknight.

Rich and Creamy: Despite being vegan, the dish is decadently creamy thanks to the vegan cream and tomato paste combination.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 15 minutes, which means dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: You can serve it over rice, pasta, or even dip crusty bread—making it a perfect flexible dinner option.
Flavor-Packed: The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and fresh basil bring layers of taste that keep things interesting every bite.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup made of chickpeas, green spinach leaves, and red pieces of bell pepper or tomato, with a smooth texture holding all ingredients together in a thick mix; a piece of white bread with a soft inside and golden crust is resting on the edge of the bowl, and a spoon is placed inside the soup on the left side; the bowls sit on a white marbled surface, with a second similar bowl partially seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together with simple pantry staples that complement each other beautifully. The sun dried tomatoes add a tangy depth while the chickpeas soak up all those delicious flavors, creating the perfect creamy yet hearty meal.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil on white ceramic plate, five whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with chopped deep red sun dried tomatoes, a neat pile of dried oregano leaves, a tiny mound of bright red chili flakes, a small heap of coarse sea salt crystals, a tiny pile of ground black pepper, two white ceramic bowls each filled with rinsed beige chickpeas, a small white bowl of clear golden vegetable broth, a dollop of rich red tomato paste on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl with smooth creamy vegan cream, a neat bundle of vibrant fresh baby spinach leaves, four fresh green basil leaves, and a small white bowl filled with fine grated vegan parmesan cheese, all ingredients arranged symmetrically with realistic proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Adds richness and is perfect for gently sautéing the garlic without burning it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that aromatic base flavor.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: They amp up the umami and lend a subtle sweetness that’s key to the sauce’s character.
Oregano: Brings a lightly herbal note complementing the tomatoes beautifully.
Red Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Chickpeas: The star of the dish, providing protein, texture, and heartiness.
Vegetable Broth: Helps create a flavorful sauce base without making it too heavy.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce.
Vegan Cream: This is what makes the sauce so silky and indulgent—choose your favorite brand!
Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and wilts down perfectly in the sauce.
Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the end for a fresh herbal finish and aroma.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese (optional): If you love a cheesy touch, I highly recommend adding this for extra creaminess and flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe is how open it is to little tweaks. I often switch up the spice level or add in some extra greens depending on what’s in my fridge—making it truly yours.

Variation: I’ve tried adding mushrooms for an earthier vibe, and it works like a charm — the mushrooms soak up the sauce beautifully and add a meaty texture.
Spicier Version: If you’re craving more heat, I bump up the red chili flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
Seasonal Twist: Swap baby spinach for kale or chard if you prefer a sturdier leafy green.
Nutty Upgrade: Toasted pine nuts on top add crunch and a lovely nutty contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large sauté pan over low to medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant and lightly soft, but be careful not to let it brown or burn—this step sets the scent and flavor base for the whole dish.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavor with Tomatoes and Spices

Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute. This short step wakes up the spices and lets their flavors mingle, giving the sauce that signature tangy and spicy kick.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now pour in the chickpeas along with the vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and baby spinach. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until everything is warm and the spinach has wilted. Give it a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as you like—this is when it really comes together.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Vegan Parmesan

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil and, if you’re using it, the vegan parmesan cheese. The fresh basil adds brightness, and the cheese melts slightly, creating that perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or fresh bread for dipping!

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve found small tweaks can really elevate this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures, and I’ve noticed they prevent a lot of common pitfalls while boosting flavor.

Gentle Garlic Cooking: Always cook garlic on a lower heat to avoid bitterness—patience pays off!
Sun Dried Tomato Choice: Use sun dried tomatoes packed in oil if you can; they’re softer and more flavorful than dry-packed ones.
Simmer Time Matters: Don’t rush the simmering step—it helps the chickpeas absorb flavors and the sauce to thicken nicely.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Adding basil last keeps its fragrance fresh and vibrant instead of cooking it away.

How to Serve Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about keeping garnishes simple yet impactful for this dish. I usually sprinkle a little extra vegan parmesan on top alongside fresh torn basil. Sometimes, I even add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up just before serving.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving this over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with gluten-free pasta or even roasted veggies for an extra nutrient boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas in individual shallow bowls with a side of garlic bread and a colorful salad. Adding a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top adds a lovely crunch that feels special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it fully before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. A quick reheat on the stove or microwave works perfectly without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy, comforting texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides. Just double-check any packaged ingredients like vegan parmesan or vegetable broth to be sure.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! The core recipe is nut-free unless you add toppings like pine nuts. Just avoid any garnishes with nuts, and you’re all set.

What vegan cream do you recommend for this dish?

I like using oat or cashew-based vegan cream for the best texture and flavor, but coconut cream also works if you enjoy a hint of coconut flavor in your dishes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t give quite the same concentrated flavor as sun dried tomatoes, but you can use chopped cherry tomatoes if needed. To boost flavor, roast them beforehand or add a little extra tomato paste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe as much as I do. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish that feels special without needing any fuss or fancy ingredients. Perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and simple. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become one of your weeknight staples too!