Description
Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo is a comforting, one-pot dish featuring tender chickpeas and orzo pasta in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a vegetarian dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, oregano, and basil. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt.
- Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then stir in the cooked orzo. Mix well until the orzo is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute the orzo with another small pasta like penne or farfalle if preferred.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg