This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort dish that’s been sweeping social media. Instead of chicken, we use hearty chickpeas simmered in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of Italian herbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make.
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The sauce gets its richness from full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast, which create a velvety texture without any dairy. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy depth, while garlic and oregano bring aromatic warmth. Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep—and it’s so good, it might just earn you a proposal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
For sautéing. Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil; you can substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
Adds a sweet, savory base. Use a shallot for a milder flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is essential; if using pre-minced, use 2 teaspoons.
1/2 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
Use oil-packed for the best flavor; if using dry, rehydrate in hot water for 10 minutes first.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Adds an earthy, Italian note. Fresh oregano works too—use 1 tablespoon.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For a subtle kick. Adjust to taste or omit for a milder sauce.
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Also known as garbanzo beans. For a lower-sodium option, use no-salt-added.
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Provides creaminess. Light coconut milk works but yields a thinner sauce; add a splash of water if needed.
1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
Use low-sodium to control salt. Homemade or store-bought both work.
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Gives a cheesy, savory flavor. Omit if you don’t have it, or use a vegan parmesan alternative.
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Sea salt or kosher salt. Adjust based on your broth and tomatoes.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best. Add more to taste.
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Adds a fresh contrast. If you have neither, a sprinkle of dried herbs works.
Tips & Tricks
- If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with extra vegetable broth or a splash of water.
- For a richer flavor, toast the chickpeas in the skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding the sauce.
- Don't skip the nutritional yeast—it adds that umami cheese-like depth that makes this dish crave-worthy.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add chickpeas
Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting them slightly toast and absorb the flavors.
3. Pour in liquids
Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Simmer sauce
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low (around 200°F/95°C). Let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chickpeas are tender. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season to taste
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
6. Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Delicious Variations
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end and stir until wilted for extra greens.
- Swap chickpeas for white beans like cannellini or butter beans for a different texture.
- Make it extra hearty by adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion.
How to Store Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use light coconut milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. To thicken, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Q: What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?
This dish is versatile: serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Q: Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes, sauté the onion and garlic in a few tablespoons of vegetable broth or water instead of oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
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Vegan Marry Me Chickpeas
This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, ready in 30 minutes with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Sauté aromatics — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2Add chickpeas — Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting them slightly toast and absorb the flavors.
- 3Pour in liquids — Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 4Simmer sauce — Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low (around 200°F/95°C). Let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the chickpeas are tender. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- 5Season to taste — Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- 6Garnish and serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.



