Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas, a vegan twist on the classic "Marry Me Chicken." This creamy, tomato-based dish is packed with protein-rich chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, all simmered to perfection in a luscious dairy-free sauce. Whether you're looking to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to a cozy, restaurant-quality meal, this dish is sure to win hearts (and stomachs) with every bite!
Like my Easy Vegan Baked Pasta, this is another flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in no time with a few pantry staples and fresh produce. This hearty dish is so easy to make yet tastes indulgent and wholesome with protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a luscious sauce and flavored with Italian seasoning, garlic, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil leaves. It's a quick, satisfying dinner, great for meal prep, yet special enough for a date night. Let's make it.
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Ingredients To Make This Nutritious Chickpeas Dish:
Everything is so easy to get from your local grocery store, but I'll leave a few links to some of my favorite brands.
- Chickpeas (Canned): Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making them the perfect base for this creamy dish. They’re a great way to keep your meals filling and nutritious. Get enough to also make my Oil-Free Buffalo Chickpea Quesadillas.
- Garlic: A few cloves create a fragrant base to make the sauce.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring an intense burst of flavor to the dish. They’re sweet, tangy, and a perfect complement to the creamy sauce.
- Italian Seasoning & Tomato Paste: They add rich, savory flavors to the base of the sauce.
- Coconut Milk: I use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy base. It gives the sauce its luxurious texture while also adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Vegetable Broth: A flavorful veggie broth is the secret to enhancing the sauce’s taste. It adds depth to the coconut milk and tomato paste, creating the perfect creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Fresh Spinach (optional) : High in vitamins K, C, and A, it adds that burst of freshness to this Marry Me Chickpeas dish. I love produce from Organicgirl because it's fresh, organic, and they deliver straight to your door. You can opt for baby spinach if preferred. And leftovers can be used to make my Vegan Spinach Artichoke Salad.
- Vegan Parmesan: A sprinkle of vegan parmesan adds that signature cheesy taste without the dairy. It’s the finishing touch that makes the dish irresistible.
- Fresh Basil: It rounds off this Italian-flavored meal with sweet and savory fresh notes. Get enough to also make my Vegan Pea Pesto Hummus.
- Olive oil, Salt & Pepper: To create the base of the sauce and season to taste.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make It:
It's so easy to make that in no time this cozy, plant-based meal can be served at your table. Here's what you need to do.
- Prep Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Chop the garlic, sundried tomatoes, and basil leaves.
- Make The Base Of The Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in the sundried tomatoes for another 2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth and simmer long enough for it to thicken slightly.
- Finish The Dish: Add the drained chickpeas and spinach to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer until the chickpeas are heated through and the spinach has wilted.
- Garnish: Stir in the vegan parmesan and fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve this creamy Tuscan chickpeas dish over pasta, rice, or enjoy as-is with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Top Tips:
Even with this simple dish, I have a few tips for you to make it exactly as I do.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It really creates a fragrant base that you can't get by simply using garlic powder instead.
- Build Up The Flavors: Although this is such an easy dish to make, don't rush making the base of the Marry Me Chickpeas sauce. It really is all about building the flavors with every ingredient you add and let those come together.
- Adjust The Thickness Of The Sauce: Once the flavors of the sauce have developed and you have tender chickpeas, you can decide to cook it a bit longer to get a thicker consistency or make it a bit more liquidy by adding an extra splash of vegetable stock or coconut milk.
Variations And Substitutions:
There is always room for adjustments based on your preferences and taste buds. Here are a few suggestions that I think can work.
- Add Some Heat: Red pepper flakes can be added for a spicy kick if you like a little heat in your creamy dishes.
- For a Leaner Option: You could substitute the coconut milk with cashew cream or a lighter version of coconut milk.
- For a Cheesier Experience: Add extra vegan Parmesan or sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor without the dairy.
- Switch Up The Beans: Instead of chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans, try canned white beans or butter beans if that's what you have on hand, especially if you have extra from making my White Bean Kale Soup.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish makes for great vegan or vegetarian meal prep! Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk to maintain the creamy texture.
Equipment Needed:
- Large Skillet or Pan: For sautéing and simmering.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the fresh produce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
- Colander: For draining and rinsing the chickpeas.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes, just make sure to soak and cook the chickpeas before using them in this Marry Me Chickpeas recipe. Canned chickpeas make the process quicker, but dried chickpeas are a great option as well.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. Choose gluten-free pasta if that's what you serve it with.
More Healthy Comfort Food Recipes To Try Next:
Looking for other healthy comfort food recipes like this Marry Me Chickpeas recipe? Try these:
If you try this Easiest Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
The Easiest Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 15 oz cans chickpeas
- 5-7 garlic cloves
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup fresh basil
- 2 handfuls spinach (optional)
- ⅓ cup vegan parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Ingredients:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Set aside.
- Mince the garlic, chop the sundried tomatoes, and roughly chop the basil.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
- In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Create the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Chickpeas and Spinach:
- Add the chickpeas to the pan (and spinach if using). Stir to coat in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the chickpeas are heated through and the spinach wilts.
Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the vegan parmesan and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you want the sauce to be thicker, let it cook a bit longer. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a splash more vegetable broth or coconut milk.
Serve:
- Serve the creamy Tuscan chickpeas over pasta, rice, or enjoy as-is with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Related Chickpea Recipes:
Looking for more chickpea recipes? Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!
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