Description
A quick and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chickpea Orzo combines creamy orzo pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices in just 30 minutes. It’s a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; half smashed, half whole
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or dill, chopped, for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Stir in the orzo, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
- Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce by half.
- Add vegetable broth and half and half (or heavy cream). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the smashed and whole chickpeas. Continue cooking until the pasta is fully cooked and the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. If necessary, add a tablespoon or more of water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and mix in grated cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or dill and halved cherry tomatoes, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- To add extra vegetables, consider incorporating roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.
- For added protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be included.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 677mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg