Name: Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 shallot, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted); 3/4 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pearl couscous; 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped; 3-4 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped (optional, for topping); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping); 4-5 stalks kale, stems removed, torn into small bite-sized pieces (curly or lacinato kale); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 213 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together in one pan, you’re going to adore this Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and nutty pearl couscous, all cooked up in a skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Plus, the chickpeas add just the right touch of heartiness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less mess and more flavor absorbed.
Flavor-Packed: The cumin and fire-roasted tomatoes give the dish a warm, earthy depth you’ll crave.
Comforting & Nutritious: Chickpeas and pearl couscous bring texture and protein in a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish.
Fresh Toppings: Mint and feta add brightness and creaminess that really elevate the meal.

A white rustic bowl with dark speckles holds a dish with three main parts: on one side, a pile of bright green cooked kale with a slightly shiny texture; next to it, a layer of creamy white crumbled cheese sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs; covering most of the bowl is a thick, orange stew made of small round pasta pearls and chickpeas mixed with bits of red tomato, garnished with green herbs on top. A woman's hand holding a white spoon with a gold tip is reaching into the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta, easy pearl couscous dinner, one-pan couscous recipe, flavorful pearl couscous meal, healthy tomato feta skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward and easy to find, but they come together beautifully. I recommend getting fire-roasted diced tomatoes because the smoky flavor really makes this skillet shine.

Flat lay of a small mound of pearl couscous, a handful of fresh bright green mint leaves, a small pile of chopped fresh chives, a quarter cup of crumbled white feta cheese, a thinly sliced shallot arranged neatly, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with plump cooked chickpeas, a small white bowl containing vibrant red diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and a few dark green torn kale leaves arranged loosely, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta, easy pearl couscous dinner, one-pan couscous recipe, flavorful pearl couscous meal, healthy tomato feta skillet

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing, bringing richness and helping develop flavors.
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth—thinly sliced for quick cooking.
Cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy undertone—don’t skip it!
Chickpeas: Canned and rinsed for convenience; they add creaminess when gently mashed.
Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted if possible, for a smoky, robust flavor.
Water or Vegetable Broth: I prefer broth for extra savory notes, but water works fine in a pinch.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together; adjust carefully at the end.
Pearl Couscous: The star grain here; it cooks quickly and offers a pleasant chew.
Fresh Chives: Chopped and stirred in at the end for a mild oniony pop.
Mint Leaves: Optional, but I love how the fresh mint brightens the dish.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for a creamy, tangy finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe is a perfect blank canvas—you can add or swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your mood.

Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in spinach or zucchini for an extra veggie boost, and it never fails.
Protein Boost: For a meaty twist, grilled chicken or sausage work beautifully alongside chickpeas.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the cumin.
Dairy-Free Option: Leave out the feta and top with avocado slices for creaminess instead.

How to Make Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Shallots and Spices

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cumin, cooking gently until the shallots are soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where those warm, comforting flavors start building. Keep an eye so they don’t brown too fast.

Step 2: Add and Mash Chickpeas

Toss in the drained and rinsed chickpeas next. I like to gently mash some of them right in the skillet—it creates a lovely creamy texture that contrasts with the whole chickpeas. This little trick really enhances the dish’s heartiness. Stir everything together, letting it warm through for a few minutes.

Step 3: Simmer Tomatoes and Couscous

Pour in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Then add the water or vegetable broth, salt, and pearl couscous. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the couscous is tender but still slightly chewy—kind of like al dente pasta. Resist the urge to stir too much while it’s cooking; this helps the couscous absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Finish Strong with Chives, Mint, and Feta

When the couscous is perfectly tender, stir in the fresh chopped chives for a quick pop of flavor and color. Spoon the skillet into bowls or plates, then top each serving with crumbled feta and chopped mint leaves. The contrast between the creamy cheese and bright mint is what makes this Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe totally irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe

Don’t Skip Mashing Chickpeas: It creates a creamy texture that brings a lovely contrast to the dish.
Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: I found this adds a smoky depth that you just can’t get with plain canned tomatoes.
Low & Slow for Couscous: Cooking the pearl couscous on low heat with the lid on ensures it cooks evenly and soaks up flavor.
Fresh Herbs Last: Adding mint and chives just before serving keeps their flavor fresh and bright—don’t cook them!

How to Serve Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a creamy, thick stew inside a white pot, placed on a white marbled surface. The stew has a warm orange-red color mixed with small round grains or pearls and chunks of soft vegetables, creating a textured layer. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, stirring the stew gently, emphasizing the dish's hearty and cozy appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta, easy pearl couscous dinner, one-pan couscous recipe, flavorful pearl couscous meal, healthy tomato feta skillet

Garnishes

I always pile on fresh mint and crumbled feta because the cool, tangy bite balances out the warm, savory skillet perfectly. Sometimes I add a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil to finish.

Side Dishes

On the side, I like serving a simple massaged kale salad dressed with a little olive oil, red wine vinegar, and maple syrup—it adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the earthy skillet. A crusty bread or warm pita is also great for soaking up any extra juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve layered the skillet over a bed of arugula or baby spinach and topped with pistachios for crunch—it adds a lovely texture and looks stunning plated up. You can also serve it in individual mini skillets or cast iron dishes to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making it great for next-day lunches.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe a couple of times with decent results. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture of the feta changes a bit but still tastes delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This helps the couscous regain its chewy texture without drying out. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but can make the feta crumbly.

FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous in this recipe?

You can, but regular couscous is much smaller and cooks faster, so you’d need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Pearl couscous holds up better in a skillet and gives a chewier, more satisfying texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

The base recipe yes, just omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative. The chickpeas and couscous provide good protein, so it’s hearty enough for a vegan meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Unfortunately, pearl couscous is made from wheat, so it isn’t gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with quinoa or a gluten-free grain, but cooking times and textures will vary.
How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default since it uses mild cumin and no hot peppers, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like.

Final Thoughts

This Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes and Feta Recipe quickly became a family favorite at my house—I love how it’s comforting yet fresh, simple yet packed with flavor. Once you make it, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up without a ton of fuss but still impress everyone at the table. Give it a go and let me know how you make it your own!