Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet

Name: Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, diced; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love creating quick and nutritious meals, and this Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet is a perfect example. This dish showcases fresh ingredients like zucchini and tomatoes, combined with protein-rich chickpeas for a satisfying one-pan meal. I enjoy how the flavors mingle while cooking, and it's a fantastic way to use up garden vegetables or to make a hearty dinner with minimal effort. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:46:15.377Z

When I first tried making a zucchini chickpea skillet, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could yield such delightful flavors. The sweetness of tomatoes balances beautifully with zucchini, while the chickpeas provide protein and texture that makes every bite fulfilling. I’ve discovered that adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving brightens the whole dish.

One thing I've learned is the importance of not overcooking the zucchini—it should be tender yet still have a slight crunch. This keeps the dish vibrant and visually appealing, and it adds a nice contrast to the creaminess of the chickpeas.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal
Hearty, filling, and perfect for plant-based diets
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings

      

Maximizing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your vegetables directly impacts the overall flavor of the Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet. Opt for fresh, seasonal zucchini and vibrant cherry tomatoes to elevate the dish. When selecting zucchini, look for ones that are firm and glossy, indicating freshness. Similarly, choose tomatoes that are plump and fragrant; they will release their juices during cooking and contribute natural sweetness to the skillet.

Cooking with fresh herbs can transform your meal, and in this recipe, fresh basil plays a significant role. Adding basil towards the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma, giving a burst of freshness right before serving. If fresh basil isn’t available, consider substituting with dried herbs like oregano or thyme, adjusting the amount to roughly one-third of what you would use for fresh.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Texture

Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil is crucial for building flavor in this dish. Cook them over medium heat just until the onion is translucent—about 3-4 minutes. This step ensures the garlic doesn’t burn while giving the onion enough time to release its sweetness. If you notice the garlic starts to brown before the onion softens, reduce the heat to avoid bitter flavors making their way into the skillet.

When adding the zucchini, make sure to maintain its crunch by cooking it for only about 5 minutes. A common mistake is to overcook the zucchini, turning it into mush. You should aim for a tender yet firm texture that provides a nice bite while complementing the chickpeas and tomatoes.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Legumes

2 medium zucchini, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the Vegetables

Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly without losing its crunch.

Incorporate Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Add the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot. Enjoy it as a light main course or a delightful side dish.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Adding a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving can also enhance the flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet makes for excellent leftovers! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

If you’d like to enjoy this dish later but want to keep the zucchini fresh, consider storing the chickpea and tomato mixture separately. The cooked zucchini can become soggy when stored with the sauce. Mixing them just before serving will help maintain the textural contrast.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

This dish can stand alone as a light main course but pairs beautifully with several sides. A scoop of fluffy quinoa or a bed of brown rice can provide additional heartiness, while crusty whole grain bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. I often serve it with a side salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon to balance the meal.

For an extra protein boost, consider topping the skillet with some crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making it even more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I substitute for chickpeas?

You can use any white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, as a substitute.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Skillet is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.