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Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas Recipe

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3.9 from 53 reviews

This Skillet Cheesy Chickpeas dish is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Perfectly cooked in a skillet with aromatic garlic and onion, it’s a quick and easy recipe ideal for weeknight dinners, garnished with fresh basil and served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

Pantry Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Dairy

  • 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the roughly chopped garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add chickpeas and sauce: Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, then pour in the marinara sauce and ¼ cup of water. Mix well to combine all ingredients and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  3. Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to low and let the chickpeas and marinara simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the chickpea mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately with your choice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • You can vary the amount of mozzarella cheese depending on how cheesy you prefer the dish.
  • For added spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.
  • This recipe works well with canned or freshly cooked chickpeas.
  • If you want a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.