Delicious Zucchini Chickpea Skillet: Quick & Easy!

Okay, flavor adventurers, gather ’round! I’m about to drop a recipe bomb that’ll have you dancing in your kitchen. This isn’t your grandma’s bland zucchini dish – we’re talking serious flavor here. I’m obsessed with this zucchini chickpea skillet, and you will be too.I perfected this zucchini chickpea skillet after weeks of testing and tweaking. It needed to be easy, vegetarian (or vegan!), packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. The mission was to create an easy zucchini chickpea skillet dinner and to make sure it would make you feel like you were at a fiesta.Here’s the deal: this zucchini chickpea skillet is pure Cuba Queen magic. It embodies everything I believe in – bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a celebration of simple cooking. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a party!

Ingredients You Need for This Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

This zucchini chickpea skillet ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Don’t skimp! Good olive oil brings flavor.* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Yellow or white will work just fine.* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Fresh garlic is non-negotiable.* **2 medium zucchini, diced:** The star of the show! Try to get them the same size to cook evenly.* **1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed:** Rinsing removes excess starch.* **1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** Adds juiciness and acidity.* **1 teaspoon smoked paprika:** The secret ingredient for depth of flavor.* **1/2 teaspoon cumin:** Adds warmth and earthiness.* **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional):** For a little kick!* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season generously!* **Fresh cilantro, chopped:** For garnish. Adds freshness and a pop of color.* **Optional toppings:** crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan), avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juiceThe secret to an epic zucchini chickpea skillet is using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika! It adds that smoky depth that makes you think you’re eating something way more complicated than it is. You’ll find great canned chickpeas at most grocery stores, but if you want next-level flavor, try cooking your own from dried.Splurge on fresh herbs for this one easy weeknight zucchini dinner – trust me. Fresh cilantro makes a world of difference.For a budget-friendly alternative, frozen chopped onions work in a pinch for this zucchini chickpea skillet. They won’t have the same texture as fresh, but they’ll save you time and money!Storage Wisdom: Chop your veggies ahead of time to make this zucchini chickpea skillet come together even faster on a busy weeknight. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

Okay, flavor adventurers, let’s get cooking! This zucchini chickpea skillet recipe is easier than you think.1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan! You want the veggies to sauté, not steam.2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This is where your zucchini chickpea skillet starts smelling amazing!4. Add the diced zucchini and cook until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t stress – your zucchini chickpea skillet is going to be incredible.5. Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Pro tip for zucchini chickpea skillet perfection: taste and adjust seasonings as needed!7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. This is where your skillet transforms into pure magic!8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. While your zucchini chickpea skillet is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!Here’s where most people mess up their zucchini chickpea skillet – but not you! Make sure you don’t overcook the zucchini. You want it to have a little bite to it.In my kitchen, this zucchini and chickpea recipe takes exactly 25 minutes from start to finish. This is based on cooking over my stovetop with medium heat. This timeline can vary a little bit with yours.Your zucchini chickpea skillet should look vibrant and saucy, smell smoky and savory, and taste like a fiesta in your mouth.

Presentation Tips for Your Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

This zucchini chickpea skillet deserves a grand entrance!Serve this zucchini chickpea skillet hot, straight from the skillet, for a rustic and inviting presentation. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this zucchini chickpea skillet at potlucks. It’s always the first dish to disappear! I recommend serving this zucchini chickpea skillet with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.Bold Pairing Suggestions: This one pan zucchini chickpea magic is fantastic with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (if not vegan), a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. A side of quinoa or rice also makes it a complete meal.This zucchini chickpea skillet absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make ahead of time.Instagram-worthy plating techniques: Swirl a little olive oil on the plate before spooning on the zucchini chickpea skillet. Top with a few extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.Creative Leftover Transformations: Turn leftover zucchini chickpea skillet into a delicious filling for tacos or burritos. Or, mix it with cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta dish.Seasonal Variations: In the fall, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the zucchini chickpea skillet for a warm and cozy flavor. In the summer, use fresh basil instead of cilantro for a summery twist.

FAQs About Zucchini Chickpea Skillet

Let’s tackle those zucchini chickpea skillet questions, flavor adventurers!

Can I make this zucchini chickpea skillet spicier?

Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper to your zucchini chickpea skillet, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could even add a chopped jalapeño to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika for my zucchini chickpea skillet?

While smoked paprika really elevates the flavor of this zucchini chickpea skillet, you can substitute regular paprika in a pinch. Just remember that it won’t have the same smoky depth.

How do I know when my zucchini chickpea skillet is perfectly done?

Your zucchini chickpea skillet is done when the zucchini is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. The flavors should be well-melded and delicious!

Can I add other vegetables to this zucchini chickpea skillet?

Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to your zucchini chickpea skillet. Get creative and use what you have on hand.

Is this zucchini chickpea skillet vegan?

Yes, this zucchini chickpea skillet is naturally vegan. Just be sure to skip the feta cheese topping if you’re vegan.

Can I make this zucchini chickpea skillet ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great meal prep zucchini chickpea skillet. It actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze this zucchini chickpea skillet?

Yes, you can freeze this zucchini chickpea skillet. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe

This zucchini chickpea skillet is a true testament to the Cuba Queen philosophy: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and cooking that feels like a celebration. It’s a vegetarian zucchini recipe that even meat-eaters will devour. It’s an easy zucchini skillet that comes together in minutes. It’s a vegan zucchini chickpea powerhouse.**Cuba Queen’s Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Power Tips:*** **Smoked paprika is your secret weapon.** Don’t underestimate the power of this ingredient!* **Don’t overcook the zucchini.** You want it to have a little bite to it.* **Taste and adjust seasonings.** This is the key to culinary perfection!Some zucchini chickpea skillet variations that I’ve created and loved are adding a can of black beans for extra protein, mixing in some cooked quinoa for a heartier meal, or topping it with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy twist. I also tried a batch with hot sauce that delivered a great flavor.The version with the fried egg gets the biggest reactions! People are always surprised by how well the egg complements the flavors of the zucchini chickpea skillet.I’m confident that you can make this zucchini chickpea skillet your signature dish. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. If you love this vibrant dish, check out my low carb turkey zucchini skillet for a similar but meaty experience.I also think you’ll love these parmesan zucchini muffins. They’re a great way to use up extra zucchini!Don’t forget to show off those culinary wins! Share your zucchini chickpea skillet creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Let’s start creating some bold zucchini chickpea skillet memories together. I’ve even shared this recipe on my Facebook group for another one dish ground beef squash chickpea skillet recipe, feel free to join so you can share photos of your creations!I’m betting you will love this vibrant and flavorful skillet.I know you’ll nail this zucchini chickpea skillet recipe! Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now go forth and conquer the kitchen!Before you go, be sure to check out my butternut squash and black bean enchilada skillet for another flavor adventure. If you want a good recipe to compare this one to, check out this braised chickpeas with zucchini and pesto – smitten kitchen. Finally, for another way to use zucchini, this Harissa Zucchini Spaghetti Skillet with Kale, Chickpeas and … is another great pick.
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zucchini chickpea skillet

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This quick and easy zucchini chickpea skillet is a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender zucchini, protein-packed chickpeas, and flavorful spices, it’s a satisfying one-pan dish.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Add diced zucchini and chickpeas to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges (optional).

Notes

Serve this zucchini chickpea skillet over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or tahini for extra creaminess.