If you’ve seen Marry Me Chickpeas on TikTok, you know the vibe: a simple chickpea skillet so good it might earn you a proposal. Big claim? Maybe. But one bite of these creamy, garlicky chickpeas — and you’ll get why everyone’s obsessed.
This dish is cozy yet fancy-feeling, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a date night in, or meal prep that doesn’t taste like leftovers. Best part? It comes together with pantry staples and one skillet.
Below, you’ll find a quick ingredients list, easy prep steps, foolproof cooking instructions, and tips to serve it up right — plus make-ahead tricks in case you’re planning to impress tomorrow too.
Ready to find out why this viral recipe really lives up to its name? Let’s get cooking.
Print
Marry Me Chickpeas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, creamy chickpea skillet inspired by the viral TikTok recipe — garlicky, dreamy sauce, pantry-friendly and weeknight-ready.
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed works best)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan or vegan alternative
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Optional: baby spinach or kale
- Optional: crusty bread, rice, or pasta to serve
Instructions
- Drain and rinse chickpeas well.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Measure out cream, broth, and slice sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth and cream, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add chickpeas, season with salt and black pepper. Stir to coat and simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Turn off heat, stir in parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add greens if using, fold until wilted.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
Prep aromatics and sauce ingredients in advance to save time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients Checklist
Before you grab your skillet and dream of creamy chickpeas swirling in that “Marry Me” sauce, let’s get your pantry in order. The beauty of this viral chickpea skillet? It leans on basics you probably have on hand — with a few tasty extras if you’re feeling fancy.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed works best)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or heavy cream (for that dreamy sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan or vegan alternative
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a cozy kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ons
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (brightens everything up)
- Baby spinach or kale (stir in at the end for extra greens)
- Crusty bread, rice, or pasta to serve with that silky sauce
Do I Need to Use Coconut Cream?
Nope! If you’re not into coconut, swap for heavy cream, oat cream, or any rich dairy-free substitute. The goal is a creamy sauce that clings to every chickpea — so pick what you love.
Prep Steps
Good news: this viral chickpea skillet doesn’t demand a sink full of dishes or hours of prep. In fact, a quick chop here and a can opener there — and you’re halfway to a creamy, craveable dinner.
1. Drain & Rinse Chickpeas
Pop open those cans of chickpeas, pour them into a colander, and rinse well under cold water. This gets rid of that canned taste and helps your chickpeas soak up all that creamy sauce later.
2. Chop the Aromatics
Finely chop your onion and mince the garlic. Don’t stress about perfect knife skills — rustic works. If you’re adding spinach or kale, give it a rough chop too.
3. Measure Your Sauce Ingredients
Measure out the coconut cream (or your creamy sauce swap), broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. If they’re whole, give those tomatoes a quick slice so they melt nicely into the sauce.
4. Grab Your Skillet
A medium to large skillet works best for this chickpea dinner. Non-stick or cast iron — whatever you’ve got. Just make sure it’s big enough to stir everything without spills.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Absolutely. You can chop the aromatics and measure the sauce ingredients a day or two in advance — just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, dinner hits the skillet in under 20 minutes.
Cooking Instructions
This is where the “Marry Me” magic happens — chickpeas meet a creamy sauce in one cozy skillet, and before you know it, you’re wondering if you should light a candle at the table (spoiler: do it).
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until it’s soft and slightly golden. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
2. Build the Sauce
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let them mingle with the aromatics for a minute or two, so the oil infuses everything. Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut cream. Stir well and bring it all to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the Chickpeas
Tip in the drained chickpeas and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to coat them in that creamy, garlicky sauce. Let the skillet bubble away for 5–7 minutes — the sauce will thicken slightly and hug each chickpea.
4. Finish & Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan (or vegan cheese). Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe a pinch more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like a pop of brightness. If you’re adding greens, fold them in now until just wilted.
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, grab your bread or rice, and serve straight from the skillet. Cozy, creamy chickpeas that just might make someone say “I do.”
H3: Can I Double This Recipe?
Definitely! Just grab a bigger skillet or use a wide pot. Double the ingredients, taste as you go, and add a splash more broth if the sauce gets too thick. Leftovers keep well for a couple of days — if you have any, that is.
Serving Tips
You’ve got your skillet bubbling with creamy chickpeas — now, how do you turn it into a meal that feels extra special (or just extra satisfying)? Here’s how to plate up this viral chickpea skillet so it lives up to its “Marry Me” name.
1. Pair It Right
- Over rice: Classic and fuss-free. Fluffy basmati, jasmine, or brown rice soak up that dreamy sauce perfectly.
- With crusty bread: Think warm sourdough or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit.
- On pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or shells work well — they catch the sauce in all the nooks.
- In wraps: Spoon leftovers into warm flatbreads with fresh greens for a next-day lunch that doesn’t taste like “just leftovers.”
2. Dress It Up
Want to impress someone? Top your chickpea skillet with an extra sprinkle of parmesan, a swirl of good olive oil, or a few fresh herbs. If you’re feeling bold, add a pinch more chili flakes for a gentle kick.
3. Make It a Meal
Pair your chickpeas with a simple side salad — peppery arugula or a crisp cucumber-tomato mix balances the creamy sauce nicely. A glass of chilled white wine or a light red doesn’t hurt either (just saying).
H3: Can I Serve This Cold?
Surprisingly, yes! This chickpea skillet tastes great at room temp too think of it like a creamy chickpea salad on toast or stuffed into a wrap the next day. Just store leftovers in the fridge and bring them out about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Substitutions & Variations
One reason Marry Me Chickpeas went viral? It’s endlessly flexible. Whether you’re swapping ingredients for dietary needs, personal taste, or just using what’s already in your pantry, this chickpea skillet happily adapts.
1. Switch Up the Cream
- No coconut cream? Use heavy cream, half-and-half, or oat cream for a dairy-free twist.
- Vegan cheese swap: Nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan works well for that savory kick.
2. Make It Spicier
If you love a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a swirl of chili crisp oil just before serving.
3. Add More Veggies
This creamy chickpea dish loves extra greens — baby spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini cook down nicely in the skillet. For more texture, toss in sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
4. Gluten-Free?
Good news: the chickpea skillet itself is naturally gluten-free! Just pair it with rice, gluten-free pasta, or a GF flatbread instead of regular bread.
5. Protein Boost
Want more protein? Stir in a handful of cooked lentils or top with crispy tofu cubes for a hearty twist that still keeps the dish plant-based.
Can I Make This Nut-Free?
Totally. The base recipe is already nut-free — just be mindful if you’re adding vegan cheeses or cream alternatives. Many are coconut- or oat-based, which work great for a nut-free creamy sauce.
FAQ: Can I Make This Ahead?
One of the best things about this creamy chickpea skillet? It’s just as dreamy the next day — maybe even better, once those flavors settle in and cozy up together.
So, can you make Marry Me Chickpeas ahead of time? Absolutely.
How to Store
- Let the chickpeas cool to room temp before sealing them in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- The creamy sauce may thicken a bit overnight — that’s normal.
How to Reheat
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of veggie broth or water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwave works too, but stovetop keeps the texture silkier.
Can I Freeze It?
Technically, yes — chickpeas freeze well, but the sauce might separate a little when thawed. If you freeze it, reheat slowly and stir well. For best flavor and that lush, creamy sauce, fresh or fridge-leftover is the sweet spot.
Will the Sauce Stay Creamy Overnight?
Mostly! The chickpea skillet sauce thickens as it chills — just stir in a splash of broth, milk, or water when reheating to bring it back to that velvety, cling-to-your-bread texture.
Related Guides
👉 See our complete Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe Cluster
👉 Return to the Ultimate Marry Me Chickpeas Guide
