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Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

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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!

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/marry-me-chickpeas-and-orzo/