If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with wholesome goodness, this quick and easy Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is the answer. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vibrant, dairy-free dish combines tender chickpeas, crisp broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce for a nutritious weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, creamy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Comforting: A rich Alfredo sauce without dairy keeps it light but indulgent.
Nutritious Ingredients: Chickpeas add protein and fiber while broccoli packs a vitamin boost.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, simplifying cleanup.
Versatile Flavors: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies for endless variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing creamy texture, fresh flavor, or vibrant color to bring the dish together effortlessly.

Canned Chickpeas: A protein-packed base that adds subtle nuttiness and heartiness.
Fresh Broccoli: Adds a crisp texture and bright green color, plus essential vitamins.
Alfredo Sauce Components: Uses cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps sauté the veggies perfectly.
Onion and Garlic: The flavor foundation for a savory, aromatic depth.
Vegetable Broth: Lightens the sauce and helps everything meld beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing brightness that balances the creaminess.

Variations for Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s incredibly easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand or to add a twist to keep things exciting.

Swap the Chickpeas: Use cannellini beans or white beans for a creamier texture.
Add Different Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta, rice, or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Boost the Spice: Add red chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for an extra umami punch.

Quick and Creamy Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

How to Make Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by draining and rinsing canned chickpeas for a clean taste. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and finely dice the onion and garlic to build a flavor base.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, creating a savory foundation.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, retaining their vibrant color and nutritional crunch.

Step 4: Blend the Alfredo Sauce

In a blender, combine soaked cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until silky smooth, creating a creamy, dairy-free Alfredo sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chickpeas and Sauce

Stir the chickpeas into the skillet with broccoli, then pour the Alfredo sauce over the top. Gently mix to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and meld flavors.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from heat and serve the skillet dish immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Soak Cashews Overnight: For the creamiest sauce, soak cashews for at least 4 hours or quick soak in hot water for 30 minutes.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Keep broccoli tender but slightly firm to preserve its nutrition and texture.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic in both the sauce and sauté helps boost the overall aroma and flavor depth.
Adjust Consistency with Broth: Add more vegetable broth if the sauce gets too thick or cashew-heavy.
Season Well: Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice for a bright, balanced flavor.

How to Serve Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Garnishes

Top your skillet with chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. A light sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan can add an extra cheesy note.

Side Dishes

This creamy skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread, garlic naan, or a crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet over fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or spiralized zucchini noodles for alternative presentations that add texture and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses cashew-based Alfredo sauce and avoids any dairy products, making it suitable for plant-based diets.

Is it necessary to soak cashews for the sauce?

Soaking cashews softens them for a smooth sauce, but if you’re in a hurry, you can blend raw cashews at high speed—though the texture might be a bit less creamy.

Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans work beautifully as well, giving you flexibility based on what’s available or preferred.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a little longer over low heat to reduce it, or add less vegetable broth when blending to keep it richer and thicker.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, a small amount of vegan cheese or miso paste can add umami and depth to your sauce as alternatives.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, colorful dish like this Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet. It manages to be wholesome and satisfying without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe delivers on flavor and nutrition with minimal effort — definitely one to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet

Print Recipe

This quick and easy Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet is a comforting, creamy, and dairy-free dish packed with wholesome goodness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features tender chickpeas, crisp broccoli, and a luscious cashew-based Alfredo sauce, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or anyone seeking a wholesome plant-based dinner.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Plant-Based / Vegan
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

Canned Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Fresh Broccoli – 2 cups, chopped into bite-sized florets
Onion – 1 small, finely diced
Garlic – 4 cloves (2 for sautéing, 2 for sauce)

Alfredo Sauce Components

Cashews – 1 cup, soaked for at least 4 hours or quick soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
Nutritional Yeast – 1/4 cup
Vegetable Broth – 1 cup (plus more as needed for sauce consistency)
Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons
Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Cooking Essentials

Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas to remove excess sodium and improve flavor. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves separately for sautéing and the sauce.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, building a savory flavor base.
Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and vibrant green, preserving both texture and nutrients.
Blend the Alfredo Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, the remaining 2 cloves of garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, forming a dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
Combine Chickpeas and Sauce: Stir the drained chickpeas into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the blended Alfredo sauce over the mixture. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for added flavor.

Notes

Soak cashews overnight or at least 4 hours for the creamiest sauce; quick soak in hot water for 30 minutes if pressed for time.
Do not overcook broccoli; keep it tender yet slightly firm to preserve nutrition and texture.
Use fresh garlic in both the sauce and sauté for enhanced aroma and depth of flavor.
Adjust sauce consistency by adding more vegetable broth if it becomes too thick or cashew-heavy.
Taste and season with salt and lemon juice to achieve a bright, balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chickpea, broccoli, alfredo, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, healthy dinner, one-pan, quick meal