Marry Me Creamy Chickpeas (Printable version)
Creamy chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs in a rich, flavorful sauce ready in 30 minutes.
# What you 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 chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate flavors.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Add baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to incorporate without mashing the chickpeas.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
08 - Serve immediately while warm. Pair with crusty bread, over steamed rice, or tossed with pasta for a complete meal.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- Rich and creamy without requiring hours at the stove
- Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself on a Tuesday
02 -
- The sauce will continue thickening as it sits off the heat
- Sun-dried tomatoes vary in saltiness so always taste before adding more salt
03 -
- Let the chickpeas drain thoroughly so they don't water down your sauce
- Grate your own Parmesan for the best melting behavior and flavor