Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas

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In my quest to figure out the best way to use pantry staples - let me introduce you to Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas!!

Skillet with completed cheesy chickpeas topped with fresh basil on a countertop surrounded by cut up bread loaf and basil pieces.


 

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!

Skillet with completed cheesy chickpeas  on a countertop surrounded by cut up bread loaf and basil pieces.

Ingredients

Skillet cheesy chickpeas recipe visual ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper, chickpeas, marinara sauce, water, and onion
  • 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

A skillet on a countertop with thinly sliced white onion and crushed garlic sautéing in olive oil

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.

A skillet on a countertop with sautéed white onion, crushed garlic, chickpeas, and fresh marinara sauce

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.

A skillet on a countertop with sautéed white onion, crushed garlic, chickpeas, and fresh marinara sauce, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 3: Add the shredded cheese on top and transfer to the broiler to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.

A skillet with sautéed white onion, crushed garlic, chickpeas, and fresh marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a countertop with a small bowl of basil beside completed dish

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

Author: Gaby Dalkin
4.9 from 36 votes
Need a quick recipe to use canned chickpeas, these Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas are incredible and super easy!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people

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

Tips and 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.
 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 984mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 926IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

38 Comments

  1. I've made this several times, and it's amazing! I usually use a fresh ball of mozarella, it makes the sauce extra creamy.

  2. 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

    1. I've never removed the skin on chickpeas for anything. Didn't know it was a thing.

  3. 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!

  4. 5 stars
    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.

  5. 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

    1. 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

  6. 5 stars
    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!

  7. 5 stars
    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!

  8. 5 stars
    Talk about the perfect weeknight meal! This recipe is so easy, quick, and delicious!! A perfect option for healthy and vegetarian, too!

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