A quick and creamy one-pan recipe that’s earned a perfect 5-star rating—ideal for weeknights, leftovers, and impressing dinner guests

 A dish so delicious, it’s earned the cheeky name “Marry Me” Chickpeas—and it’s not hard to see why. This vegetarian take on the viral favourite comes together in under 30 minutes, is packed with bold Mediterranean flavours, and makes for a rich, satisfying meal that’s also fridge-friendly for leftovers. It’s comfort food with flair, ideal for anyone trying to cut down on meat without sacrificing taste.

Created by food writer Helen Upshall, this version combines chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic and a creamy, paprika-spiced sauce that’s as luxurious as it is simple. With only a few pantry staples and one frying pan, you can whip this up midweek or serve it at a dinner party with crusty bread and steamed greens.

Start by draining a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, keeping a spoonful of their fragrant oil. This becomes your cooking base, sizzling with finely chopped onions and crushed garlic until softened. Add the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil stalks, a hit of smoked paprika, and just the right kick from dried chilli flakes. The aroma? Irresistible.

Next, pour in warm vegetable stock and double cream, then stir in a can of drained chickpeas. Let the mixture simmer and thicken, marrying all the flavours into a silky, tangy, slightly spicy sauce. Finish with a handful of grated Parmesan (or a veggie-friendly hard cheese) and season to taste.

The result is a dish that’s creamy, punchy, and deeply satisfying. Scatter with fresh basil, serve it straight from the pan with warm crusty bread to soak up every drop, and maybe a side of tender greens. It’s comforting yet vibrant—just the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Perfect for vegetarians, but beloved by all, “Marry Me” Chickpeas prove you don’t need meat to wow a crowd. And with leftovers just as tasty the next day, you’ll be thanking your past self for making a little extra.