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Creamy High Protein Pesto Chickpea Skillet Recipe

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3.9 from 46 reviews

This Creamy High Protein Pesto Chickpea Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors. Featuring a creamy pesto sauce blended with cottage cheese and fresh spinach, combined with hearty chickpeas, it’s perfect for a comforting yet healthy dinner served over bread, rice, or pasta.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 (24-oz) tub low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 (6.5-oz) jar pesto
  • 2 to 3 handfuls fresh spinach

Main Ingredients

  • 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained
  • To serve: freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Blend: Add the low-fat cottage cheese, pesto, and fresh spinach to a blender. Blend on high speed for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. The heat generated from blending helps soften the curds in the cottage cheese for a luscious texture.
  2. Heat: Pour the blended pesto sauce into a pot or high-sided sauté pan. Stir in the drained chickpeas, then gently warm the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly heat through.
  3. Serve: Remove from heat and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve warm alongside crusty bread, over rice or pasta, or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Blending Tip: Blending cottage cheese thoroughly can take longer than expected. Continue blending to fully soften the curds and achieve a smooth sauce consistency.