Marry Me Chickpeas

Originally based on: https://www.eatingwell.com/marry-me-chickpeas-8431869

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, if available)
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (and / or tomato paste)
• 3+ cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-oz.) cans no-salt-added chickpeas,  rinsed
• 1 cup lower-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 bunch of spinach
• 2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces crusty whole-wheat baguette, halved lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 4 equal pieces

Directions

1. Heat oil (from sun-dried tomatoes) in a large saute pan or dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add shallot; cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until the tomatoes are slightly broken down and deep red in color, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in chickpeas, broth, water,  paprika, Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are warmed through and the mixture is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in cream and 1 tablespoon basil; cook until the sauce starts to bubble around the edges.
4. Add spinach and cover until wilted.
5. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup Parmesan until melted and combined, 30 to 45 seconds.
6. Toast (and optionally butter) bread for dipping
7. Finish the chickpea mixture with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan, 1 tablespoon basil and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Serve with the toasted bread.