This Easy Couscous Skillet is the ultimate weeknight solution, combining fluffy couscous with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices in a single pan. It’s the epitome of a quick couscous dish that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

I discovered the magic of a truly easy couscous dinner during a trip to a bustling Mediterranean market, where the scent of warm spices and simmering grains filled the air. This recipe is my tribute to that sensory experience, a dish I now turn to for casual gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. It pairs beautifully with lighter proteins, like sides for our Hibachi Chicken or a hearty main like Moroccan Chicken, creating a complete and memorable feast.

Four Reasons to Make This Easy Skillet Recipe

Effortless Preparation: This easy vegetarian skillet comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Quick Cooking Time: From pantry to table in under 30 minutes for a truly quick couscous dish.
Versatile Base: The simple flavor profile is a perfect canvas for your favorite additions.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Warm spices and fluffy texture make it a guaranteed family favorite.

What You’ll Need for Your Easy Couscous Skillet

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Couscous: Use fine or medium-grain couscous for the best texture in this easy skillet recipe.
Vegetable Broth: Cooking the grains in broth instead of water adds a remarkable depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality oil is essential for sautéing the aromatics to perfection.
Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base note that builds the foundation of the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most potent and aromatic flavor.
Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the mix.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their burst of acidity balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Chickpeas: For a boost of plant-based protein that makes this easy couscous dinner more filling.
Paprika & Cumin: These warm spices are key to achieving that classic, comforting flavor profile.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts all the other flavors.

Easy Couscous Skillet

Easy Couscous Skillet recipe ready in 30 minutes! Simple ingredients, one-pan cooking perfect for quick dinners. Healthy, flavorful, and family-friendly meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Course Dinner

Servings 1 loaf

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
oven
9×5 inch loaf pan
electric mixer
spatula
whisk
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they are well combined.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
Using a spatula, gently fold half of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, followed by all of the sour cream. Fold in the remaining dry ingredients until a few streaks of flour remain, then carefully fold in the blueberries until the batter is just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out of the pan onto the rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Keyword blueberry bread, easy baking, quick bread

Simple Recipe Variations

Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
Make It Spicy: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa for heat.
Protein Boost: Add diced, cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.

My Pro Tips for Skillet Success

Toast the Couscous: Lightly toasting the dry couscous in the skillet before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor.
Measure Precisely: Use the correct couscous-to-liquid ratio for perfectly fluffy, not mushy, grains every time.
Let It Steam: After turning off the heat, let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to fully absorb the broth, a crucial step for our one-pot recipes.
Finish with Freshness: Always garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Your Skillet

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This easy couscous skillet freezes well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop all vegetables a day in advance to streamline the cooking process, perfect for pairing with a prepped Easy White Chicken Chili.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ratio of water to couscous?

The standard ratio for perfect fluffy couscous is typically 1 part couscous to 1.5 parts liquid, usually water or broth. I prefer using vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor in this easy skillet recipe.

Do you have to rinse couscous before cooking?

No, you do not need to rinse couscous before cooking. Unlike other grains, couscous is a type of pasta, and rinsing it can make it clumpy and affect the final texture of your dish.

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa for couscous, but note that quinoa has a longer cooking time and requires a slightly different liquid ratio. It makes a wonderful gluten-free alternative for this easy vegetarian skillet.

How do you keep couscous from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy couscous, ensure you use the correct liquid ratio and avoid over-stirring once the liquid is added. Letting it steam off the heat, covered, is the final key to perfect texture.

More Easy Skillet Recipes to Try

Why This Easy Couscous Skillet Wins

With its fluffy texture and aromatic spices, this is the perfect easy couscous dinner for any night of the week. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation, too.

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