Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas: A Flavorful and Easy One-Pan Meal
Looking for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas recipe! It’s a vegetarian delight packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave a comforting and flavorful dish.
This isn’t just another chickpea recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. We’re talking perfectly cooked chickpeas bathed in a rich, savory tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices, and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. What’s not to love?
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this amazing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a major win!
- Packed with Flavor: A delicious combination of spices, tomatoes, and cheese creates a truly unforgettable flavor.
- Vegetarian & Customizable: A great vegetarian option that can easily be adapted to your preferences. Add vegetables, change up the cheese, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Budget-Friendly: Chickpeas are an affordable source of protein, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
- Nutritious: Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein, making this a healthy and satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed. Canned chickpeas are convenient, but you can also use cooked dried chickpeas. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and then cook until tender before using.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and adds flavor to the dish. You can substitute with another oil like avocado oil or coconut oil if desired.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a savory base for the sauce. Yellow or white onion works best.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped (any color). Bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all great choices.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), undrained. Diced tomatoes form the base of the sauce. You can use plain diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup. Vegetable broth helps to create a saucier consistency and adds flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.
- Spices:
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Smoked paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon. Cumin adds warmth and earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Chili powder adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon. Dried oregano adds an herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Cheese: 1-1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend). Cheese is the star of the show! Choose your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor, while mozzarella adds a gooey texture.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Chickpeas and Broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chickpea mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt and brown the cheese, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, spinach, kale, or mushrooms. Add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
- Use Different Beans: You can substitute chickpeas with other beans, such as cannellini beans, kidney beans, or black beans.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the skillet.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese to make this recipe vegan. You can find many delicious vegan cheese options at most grocery stores.
- Serve it with: This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread for dipping.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the chickpea mixture for a longer time to reduce the liquid. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them instead of canned diced tomatoes. Chop about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes and add them to the skillet along with the tomato paste.
- Add a Touch of Lemon: Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the finished dish for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and measure out the spices ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Broiling for extra browning: For an even browner, more bubbling cheese topping, once the cheese is mostly melted, transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve it as a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course.
- Over Rice or Grains: Spoon it over cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
- As a Side Dish: Serve it as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or meat.
- In Tacos or Burritos: Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- On Top of Toast: Spread it on toast for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.
- Stuffed in Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the chickpea mixture and bake for a delicious and healthy meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Fiber: 10-15 grams
Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe for you to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Chickpeas and Broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chickpea mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Skillet Chickpeas recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple and rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let me know in the comments below how you like it!
Enjoy!