Effortless Creamy Chickpeas

Featured in Feel-Good Food That Tastes Amazing.

Chickpeas in a creamy Italian sauce, ready in 15 minutes. Ideal for quick meals or a cozy date night.
Hannah Author
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:27:48 GMT
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This irresistible chickpea dish transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. The creamy Tuscan sauce elevates canned chickpeas into something extraordinary - tender beans bathed in a rich, savory sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes. Even dedicated meat-eaters come back for seconds of this satisfying vegetarian dish.

Key Ingredients

  • High-quality unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Two cans chickpeas, drained and dried
  • Heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves
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Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

Sauce Preparation

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat
  2. Melt butter until foamy
  3. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant
  4. Add Italian seasonings to bloom
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes
  6. Pour in broth, scraping pan bottom
  7. Add chickpeas and simmer
  8. Stream in cream and reduce
  9. Finish with basil and cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crusty bread for sauce-soaking, or over steamed rice. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with anything that can capture its creamy goodness.

Variations

Add wilted spinach for extra nutrients, or burst cherry tomatoes for brightness. Top with crispy mushrooms for texture. The versatile sauce welcomes creative additions while maintaining its rich, comforting character.

Recipe Notes

The magic lies in letting each ingredient shine. Quality chickpeas provide the perfect canvas for the luxurious sauce, while proper timing ensures the ideal consistency. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

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Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

Storage

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3 days. The chickpeas continue absorbing flavor overnight. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's silky texture.

Final Tips

Preheat pan thoroughly before adding butter

Season progressively throughout cooking

Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor

Reserve chickpea liquid for sauce adjustment

Focus on proper heat control and timing

Let ingredients reach their full potential through careful preparation and attention to detail

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this good for meal prepping?
Definitely, it lasts up to a week in the fridge. Just microwave to warm it up!
→ Can I swap heavy cream with half-and-half?
Absolutely! It works great if you’re looking for a lighter option.
→ What do I pair this with?
It’s great over pasta, rice, or with some crunchy bread on the side.
→ Can I freeze it?
Not really—the creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well.
→ Why’s it even called Marry Me?
It’s a veggie riff on Marry Me Chicken—a dish so tasty, it’s been known to inspire proposals!

Creamy Chickpeas

Chickpeas take center stage in this creamy, rich dish with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. Inspired by the classic Marry Me Chicken.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Fresh & Healthy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-Style

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
02 2 tablespoons of plain butter
03 1/2 teaspoon of crushed spicy red flakes
04 1/2 teaspoon of oregano leaves
05 1/2 teaspoon of salt
06 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder

→ Main Ingredients

07 A can of chickpeas (15 oz), drained—use two total
08 1 cup of broth made from vegetables
09 Half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes, roughly cut

→ Finishing Ingredients

10 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
11 1 cup of heavy cream
12 2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves, diced

Instructions

Step 01

Melt your butter in a big pan over medium heat, then toss in garlic, salt, oregano, peppers, and chili flakes. Stir it all for about 2 minutes until the garlic smells amazing.

Step 02

Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, and veggie broth. Keep cooking it over medium while uncovered for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Turn the heat off, then stir in cream, parmesan, and chopped basil. Dish it up hot, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!

Notes

  1. You can store this in the fridge for up to a week and it still tastes great.
  2. If you prefer, swap out the cream for half-and-half.
  3. This is best enjoyed with some bread to mop up the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large pan or deep skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This has dairy from butter, cream, and parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 432
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 16 g