Marry Me Chickpeas (Print version)
Creamy chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and aromatic herbs in a rich sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 and translucent.
02 - Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine with the aromatic base.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
06 - Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes. The spinach should remain bright green and tender.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust salt or herbs as needed.
08 - Serve warm with crusty bread, over steamed rice, or tossed with pasta for a complete meal.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant
- The sauce is so luscious and comforting you might find yourself eating it straight from the skillet
02 -
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so dont panic if it looks slightly thin when you first add the cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra richness, but drain them well or your sauce will separate
03 -
- Use full fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version that nobody will guess is plant-based
- Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts add this gorgeous crunch that takes it to dinner party level