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Marry Me Chickpea Skillet with Spinach and Parmesan

This Marry Me Chickpea Skillet is a warm and comforting dish that combines creamy chickpeas, vibrant spinach, and nutty Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 5 oz)
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Wait for the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to sauté.
  2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
  4. Add 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir them into the onion and spices, cooking for 3-4 minutes to warm them through and allow them to absorb the flavors.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice the broth bubbling lightly; let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  6. Now, add 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) to brighten the flavors and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Be cautious with the red pepper flakes as they can easily overpower the dish. For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.