Name: Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous); 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

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This Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta is the kind of Mediterranean-inspired comfort food that feels both hearty and refreshingly light. It’s a one-pan wonder, brimming with juicy tomatoes, creamy chickpeas, and tangy feta, all nestled into perfectly chewy pearl couscous. Whether you want something quick for a weeknight dinner, or a show-stopping centerpiece for a casual gathering, this dish delivers deliciousness with every colorful bite.

Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta lies in its humble but essential pantry staples, each one with a real purpose. From the rich, golden olive oil to the burst of freshness from herbs, every ingredient plays its part to bring out vibrant flavors and gorgeous textures.

Olive oil: Essential for gently sautéing the aromatics and toasting the couscous to a golden hue.
Yellow onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic backbone that infuses the entire skillet.
Garlic: Brings punchy, irresistible flavor that ties everything together.
Pearl couscous: Also called Israeli couscous, these tiny pearls soak up broth and become delightfully chewy.
Vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Chickpeas: Creamy, protein-rich beans that make the skillet substantial and satisfying.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Pop with sweetness and juiciness, adding color and brightness.
Dried oregano: Brings Mediterranean earthiness that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and feta.
Crushed red pepper flakes: An optional pinch for a subtle, lingering heat.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that make every flavor sing.
Feta cheese: Tangy, creamy, and delightfully briny, it melts into the warm couscous for irresistible flavor.
Fresh parsley or basil: A fresh, herbal finishing touch that keeps things lively and bright.

How to Make Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, giving it occasional stirs, until it’s soft and translucent. This step is all about building a savory, aromatic foundation for the entire dish—the gentle sizzle will let you know flavor is on its way.

Step 2: Toast the Couscous and Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and pearl couscous. Let them cook together for another couple of minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the couscous starts to get just a bit golden. This toasting adds a nutty undertone to your Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta and makes every bite more interesting.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The couscous will absorb most of the broth, becoming tender but still slightly chewy. Don’t worry if a little liquid remains—it will help meld the flavors in the next step.

Step 4: Add Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Spices

Uncover the skillet and stir in the chickpeas, halved tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), along with some salt and black pepper. Let everything cook uncovered for another 3 to 4 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, adding extra depth to this vibrant Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta.

Step 5: Finish with Feta and Herbs

Once everything is heated through and the skillet smells impossibly good, remove it from the heat. Stir in the crumbled feta and fresh herbs. The cheese will melt just slightly, creating little pockets of creamy, briny flavor throughout your Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta. Serve warm and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley or basil really wakes up this dish, both visually and flavor-wise. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra sprinkle of crumbled feta or a few grinds of black pepper on top right before serving—it’s a quick way to boost both aroma and taste.

Side Dishes

Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta is deliciously satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread for soaking up the juices. Consider a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or some marinated olives to lean into those Mediterranean vibes for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve your skillet straight from the pan family-style—let everyone scoop their own! Or, try spooning portions into individual bowls and topping with a poached egg or some grilled vegetables for a slightly elevated twist. This dish looks gorgeous sprinkled with pomegranate seeds or toasted pine nuts for added color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta stores like a dream. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture of the couscous and tomatoes may change just a bit upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within a month for best flavor. For the freshest results, consider adding the herbs and feta after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use the microwave for a minute or two, or warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to refresh the texture. Sprinkle extra herbs or feta on top to make leftovers just as delightful as day one.

FAQs

Can I make Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta vegan?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the feta or replace it with your favorite plant-based feta alternative. The skillet remains rich and satisfying, even without the dairy.

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) has a uniquely chewy, tender texture that works beautifully in this dish, but if you only have regular couscous, it will cook much faster and have a lighter texture. Adjust your cooking time accordingly and consider using a bit less broth.

What vegetables can I add for more greens?

Great question! Toss in a generous handful of baby spinach or arugula at the very end; they’ll wilt perfectly from the residual heat. You could also add chopped kale or zucchini for more veggie power.

Can I use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth works great if you aren’t looking to keep the dish vegetarian. It lends a slightly richer flavor, but the essence of Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta will still shine.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen as it rests. Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta makes a wonderful lunch or dinner to portion out throughout your week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about sharing a bowl of Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta—it’s colorful, bursting with flavor, and easy enough for any busy weeknight. Give it a try, and you just might find it becomes a cherished favorite in your own kitchen, too!

Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish that combines the nutty taste of pearl couscous with the freshness of cherry tomatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and tangy feta cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pearl Couscous Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and pearl couscous and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing couscous to toast slightly.
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.
Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook uncovered for another 3–4 minutes until tomatoes are softened and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in feta cheese and fresh herbs. Serve warm.