In my quest to figure out the best way to use pantry staples, let me introduce you to Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas!! If you love chickpeas like I do, my Deconstructed Falafel Salad is another way to put them to work. Serve this one with my Best Garlic Bread to soak up all that cheesy tomato goodness, and a Butter Lettuce Salad on the side for the perfect dinner.
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, Loaded Hummus or this Easy 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. Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce or Pasta alla Vodka Arriabatta, whatever you have on hand!
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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.
I added potatoes before putting the cheese on top. AMAZING ADD! I peeled, cut them in cubes & boiled them before hand.