High Protein Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet

Chickpeas in a creamy white sauce topped with chopped parsley, grated cheese, and two lemon slices in a frying pan on a wooden surface.

High Protein Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpea Skillet

This creamy lemon pepper chickpea skillet is rich, bright, and packed with protein—made with a silky cottage cheese sauce and ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Keyword: high protein dinner, lemon pepper chickpeas

Servings: servings

Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 Tbsp unsalted butter 28 g
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
½ tsp each salt and mustard powder
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup vegetable broth 120 mL
2 15-oz cans chickpeas drained, 425 g cans
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
To serve: lemon slices, coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions

Blend: Blend 1 cup cottage cheese in a blender until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Flavor Base: Melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning, and ½ tsp each salt and mustard powder. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until garlic is fragrant.
Simmer: Stir in 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour until combined, then slowly drizzle in ½ cup vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer until sauce thickens. Stir in 2 15-oz cans chickpeas (drained), cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in blended cottage cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, and ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley. Garnish with sliced lemons and freshly ground black pepper! (Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.)

Notes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The sauce thickens as it sits—just add a little extra liquid when reheating to bring back the silky texture!
Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

Nutrition