Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines rich, creamy flavors with protein-packed chickpeas and tender orzo pasta. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes, and the one-pot approach makes cleanup a breeze. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil bring out incredible depth of flavor, while the spinach adds a healthy twist. Even non-vegetarians will be hooked by the hearty, satisfying nature of this dish.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 shallot, minced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
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1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
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1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
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Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir frequently and cook until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
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Add the heavy cream, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 to 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add a protein: Feel free to add cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or chicken if you prefer.
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Add extra veggies: Try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
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Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of orzo for a gluten-free version.
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Pesto twist: Add a swirl of basil pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta, like penne or fusilli.
2. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with extra broth.
5. Can I use canned sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, canned or jarred sun-dried tomatoes work perfectly in this dish. Just make sure to drain them well.
6. Can I use a different protein instead of chickpeas?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a meaty version of this dish.
7. How do I make this dish more creamy?
Increase the amount of heavy cream or add a little cream cheese to make it extra creamy.
8. What’s the best way to store the leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Try adding kale, bell peppers, or even peas to the dish for more variety.
10. Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild spice from the red pepper flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can skip or reduce them.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. It’s creamy, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a flavorful, meatless option, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo
This Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo recipe is a one-pot, vegetarian comfort dish that combines tender orzo pasta, protein-packed chickpeas, and a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. This flavorful, easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to impress your loved ones and leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Add the heavy cream, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Variations: Add a protein such as cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or chicken if desired. You can also toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta.
Spicy: Adjust the level of heat by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicier.
