In my quest to figure out the best way to use pantry staples - let me introduce you to Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas!!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Last week I got a LOT of questions about what to do with a can of chickpeas. Usually my answer would be duh, hummus or this chickpea chopped salad. But I decided to expand my horizons and make a recipe for Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas and OMG IT'S BETTER THAN HUMMUS. Truly. The recipe is meant to serve 4, but my husband and I took it down all my ourselves for dinner one night it's that good.
These Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas are reminiscent of my chicken parmesan or my delicious eggplant parmesan recipe but with no parmesan. They take minutes to make, almost no prep work, and can be served on their own or with a side of bread so you can soak up all these cheesy tomato goodness at the bottom of the skillet!
And I used a traditional jarred tomato sauce (Rao's) but you can use anything you want or any flavor. Tomato Basil, Vodka Sauce, Arriabatta, whatever you have on hand!
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chickpeas
- Marinara Sauce
- Water
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- Shredded Mozzarella
- Basil and Bread to Garnish / Serve
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below
How to Make Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas
Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the chickpeas and stir to combine, followed by the marinara sauce, boiling water to thin it out and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add the shredded cheese on top and transfer to the broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper and basil.
How to Store Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas
To store this recipe, I usually transfer the remaining leftovers to an air-tight container. Then, when you're ready to reheat these leftovers, you can pop it in the microwave until warm, or if you prefer, you can place it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes and serve as needed.
Tips & Tricks
- Serve over roasted chicken: If you're looking to use this recipe in a main dish, serving this over roasted chicken is the perfect way to spice up your weeknight meals. Delish!
- Don't forget your basil!: Topping this recipe with fresh basil is key to bringing all the flavors together. Plus, who doesn't love to see that pop of color?!
- Serve with chunky bread: Looking to use this as a side dish alongside your main course? A fresh french baguette is the perfect way to serve this recipe.
FAQs
Do I have to soak my chickpeas before cooking?
Soaking your chickpeas is not necessary for this recipe, but, if you would like to do so beforehand, be my guest!
Should I rinse my chickpeas before cooking?
Yes! You should always rinse your chickpeas after they've been drained from their can. This ensures that they are free of any excess sodium.
Pairs Well With
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
Stuck in a dinner rut? Looking for new delicious dinner ideas? Check out my roundup of 50+ easy dinner ideas here.
Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- ¼ cup water
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella
- basil and bread to garnish / serve
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and saute for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chickpeas and stir to combine, followed by the marinara sauce, boiling water to thin it out and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the shredded cheese on top and transfer to the broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden. Season with salt and pepper and basil.
Notes
- Serve over roasted chicken: If you're looking to use this recipe in a main dish, serving this over roasted chicken is the perfect way to spice up your weeknight meals. Delish!
- Don't forget your basil!: Topping this recipe with fresh basil is key to bringing all the flavors together. Plus, who doesn't love to see that pop of color?!
- Serve with chunky bread: Looking to use this as a side dish alongside your main course? A fresh french baguette is the perfect way to serve this recipe.
Even the picky 12 year old loved it!
love to hear it!!
I've made this several times, and it's amazing! I usually use a fresh ball of mozarella, it makes the sauce extra creamy.
Wondering if i should remove the skins from the chickpeas? I know the recipe doesn't say to but wondering if worth the extra step
I've never removed the skin on chickpeas for anything. Didn't know it was a thing.
This was delish! I made it with cannellini beans because that is all I had and it was divine! I imagine it is even better with chickpeas. I can't wait to try it again with those! I also think it would be great with goat cheese. Thanks Gaby!
So Easy! My husband even ate it! Definitely a winner ! When you need a quick dinner this is it and plus it is really good!
I just made this after seeing Le Creuset IG post. This is so delicious and filling. I used shallots instead of onion. And some naan bread to dip.
Freaking delicious! Easy peasy & cheesy! Absolutely adding this to our rotation of vegetarian meals.
Excited to try this- love all your recipes, Gaby! Do you have a suggestion between the bagged/shredded mozzarella you can buy vs buying a round of fresh mozz and grating myself? worth the extra effort? what did you and T. do? Thx!! <3
either is fine for this recipe to be honest. I will specify in the ingredients if it NEEDS to be fresh mozzarella for any reason
First time making this... Easy and delicious! This one is a keeper!!!
This was amazing! My husband wasn’t sure about this recipe, but we both ended up loving it! So delicious and easy to make. This is a keeper. Thank you!
I am trying to eat less meat and this is a delicious quick meal that I made with everything I had on hand. Will make again!
Talk about the perfect weeknight meal! This recipe is so easy, quick, and delicious!! A perfect option for healthy and vegetarian, too!