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Creamy Tomato Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Skillet Recipe

4.7 from 9 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Chickpea Skillet is a wholesome and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with smoky paprika, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and delicious flavors, garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base & Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ½ cup heavy cream or cooking cream
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant to build the flavorful base.
  2. Build the Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for a minute to toast the spices and release their aroma, which enhances the depth of the sauce.
  3. Add Chickpeas & Tomato: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve the creamy chickpea tomato skillet warm alongside crusty bread, rice, or orzo for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed greens for added nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato chickpea skillet, vegetarian dinner, easy skillet recipe, chickpea tomato stew, Mediterranean vegetarian meal