Name: Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp mustard powder; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup vegetable broth (236 mL); 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained (425 g cans); 1 cup heavy cream (236 mL); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley; Lemon slices; Coarsely ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, the Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners have been missing. This Mediterranean-inspired skillet brings together tender chickpeas simmered in a luscious, zesty sauce bursting with lemon pepper goodness and creamy Parmesan richness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug, perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves hearty, wholesome meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows one layer of yellow batter with small black and brown specks mixed inside, filling a white pan almost to the edges. The batter has a smooth, liquid texture, evenly spread across the pan's surface. The pan handle is visible on the left side, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe lies in how simple, yet essential the ingredients are. Each one packs a punch, whether it’s the zest from lemon pepper seasoning, the richness from cream and Parmesan, or the bright touch from Italian parsley. Together, they create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying.

Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp): Provides a silky base to build those rich flavors while keeping the sauce smooth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant depth that beautifully complements the lemon pepper.
Lemon pepper seasoning (2 tsp): The star spice that infuses this dish with its signature bright and peppery kick.
Salt and mustard powder (½ tsp each): Enhance and balance the flavors, with mustard powder adding a subtle tanginess.
All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp): Works as a thickening agent to give the sauce its luscious creaminess.
Vegetable broth (1 cup): Keeps the dish light and adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Chickpeas (2 cans, 15 oz each, drained): The heart of the dish, delivering a satisfying texture and plant-based protein.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy while softening the lemon pepper’s sharpness.
Freshly grated Parmesan (½ cup): Adds a nutty, umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
Italian parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to brighten the skillet.
Lemon slices and coarsely ground black pepper: Perfect for garnishing and adding an extra zing and spice at the end.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Creating a Flavorful Base

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and mustard powder. Cook this fragrant mixture for a minute or two to let all those enticing aromas awaken your senses—garlic’s warmth combined with the bright zing of lemon pepper sets the perfect tone for the dish.

Step 2: Thickening the Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir it in thoroughly so it dissolves into the butter and spices. This step is key because it creates a silky roux that will thicken the sauce just right. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Keep simmering gently until the sauce thickens slightly—it’s like the sauce is telling you it’s ready for the star ingredient.

Step 3: Simmering the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse your chickpeas well, then add them straight into the thickened sauce. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to soak up all that lovely lemon pepper-infused creaminess. This simmering step is where flavors mingle and the dish starts to feel like a cohesive celebration on your stovetop.

Step 4: Finishing with Cream and Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped Italian parsley. These final touches add richness, depth, and freshness that elevate the skillet from simple to sublime. Before serving, garnish with lemon slices and a crack of black pepper—the sauce will thicken as it cools, becoming even more decadent!

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe

A close-up of a spoon holding creamy, light beige chickpeas with small green herbs and sprinkled black pepper, lifted above a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy chickpea mixture. In the bowl, there are other visible layers including round lemon slices with yellow peel and green leafy herbs, all sitting in the smooth, slightly textured creamy base. The background has a blurred appearance with green leaves, and the surface beneath the bowl is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding lemon slices and freshly cracked black pepper at the end not only looks impressive but also gives each bite a fresh citrus zing and subtle heat. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley brightens up the presentation and adds a lovely herbal aroma that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread makes it even better. You can also serve it alongside fluffy quinoa or couscous to round out the meal with some extra texture and grains. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the tangy, creamy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this skillet over a bed of your favorite grain or even creamy polenta. You can spoon it onto toasted flatbreads for a casual, shareable meal or use it as a filling for warm pita pockets to enjoy it on the go. The Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your culinary creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious—or even better!

Freezing

This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed, which affects the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig back in, reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a small splash of broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce and restore that signature creamy texture. Stir consistently to ensure it warms evenly and retains all its luscious flavors.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream like coconut or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This version uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

For sure! Adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can boost nutrition and color. Toss them in when you add the chickpeas so they cook just right and blend into the flavors.

How spicy is the lemon pepper seasoning?

Lemon pepper seasoning usually has a mild heat with bright citrus and pepper notes. If you enjoy more spice, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. These swaps will keep the creamy texture and deliver bold flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

The Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet Recipe is a gem for anyone seeking a simple, nourishing meal that never sacrifices flavor or comfort. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially when you want something quick, satisfying, and truly tasty. Give it a try—you might just add a new favorite to your recipe collection!