Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas (Print version)

Creamy chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a rich sauce. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy vegetarian dinner.

# What you'll 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 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
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finish

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

# How to make it:

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. Serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or with pasta.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Its the kind of vegetarian dish that makes everyone forget there is no meat
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
02 -
  • The sauce thickens as it sits, so do not panic if it looks a little loose at first
  • Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness so always taste before adding extra salt
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest so you get only the fragrant yellow part, no bitter pith
  • Toast some pine nuts or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce

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