One Pot Chickpea Orzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s quick, flavorful, and comes together in one pot—One Pot Chickpea Orzo is calling your name! This dish is everything you love about a hearty pasta dish but with a healthy twist. The orzo is tender, the chickpeas add protein and texture, and the mix of herbs and spices ties it all together in a way that’s both comforting and energizing. Plus, the best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want something easy yet packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love One Pot Chickpea Orzo

This dish has it all—comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:

• Quick and Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a full, satisfying meal ready to go. No complicated steps—just dump, stir, and simmer!
• One Pot Wonder: Less mess and less cleanup, which is always a win! Everything cooks together in one pot, making it a breeze to prepare.
• Hearty and Filling: Chickpeas and orzo combine to make a filling meal that will keep you satisfied without feeling heavy.
• Versatile: You can customize this dish based on what you have in your pantry. Add more veggies or experiment with different spices to make it your own!
• Plant-Based Power: Packed with plant-based protein from the chickpeas, this dish is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to eat a little lighter.

Ingredients

Let’s get into the ingredients that make this dish so delicious and comforting. They’re simple but come together in a big way!

Orzo

The star of the show, orzo is a small pasta that cooks up perfectly in this dish. It absorbs all the flavors while remaining tender and satisfying.

Chickpeas

Protein-packed chickpeas add heartiness and a lovely texture to this dish. They balance out the softness of the orzo and provide a nice bite.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds that aromatic flavor that brings everything to life. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes the whole dish smell irresistible.

Onion

A diced onion gives a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, creating a flavorful base for the orzo and chickpeas.

Olive Oil

A bit of olive oil to sauté the garlic and onion adds richness to the dish, and of course, a little healthy fat!

Vegetable Broth

The broth is what gives the orzo its savory flavor. It’s the perfect base to cook the pasta and chickpeas in, soaking up all the flavors as they cook.

Lemon

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up and adds a zesty kick that makes this dish pop.

Spinach

Fresh spinach brings a boost of color and nutrients to the dish. It wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely touch of green to every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to cook this delicious one-pot wonder! Follow these simple steps to make your new favorite meal.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Chickpeas and Broth

Next, add the chickpeas to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, letting the chickpeas warm up and soak in the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Orzo

Now, stir in the orzo and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in the Spinach

Once the orzo is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in until the spinach wilts down and becomes soft, which should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Season

Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and give everything a final stir. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the One Pot Chickpea Orzo hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 13g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve One Pot Chickpea Orzo

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve and enhance it:

With a Side Salad

Pair it with a light, fresh salad to add some crunch and extra veggies. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette would be a great match!

With Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover broth and adding a bit of texture to the meal.

With Grilled Veggies

Serve it alongside grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a beautifully balanced meal.

With Feta or Parmesan

Top the dish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Customize with Veggies: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies—try adding peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to change things up.
• Use Canned Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly in this dish, saving you time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding.
• Leftovers: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?

A1: Yes! You can use any small pasta, like ditalini or couscous, as a substitute for orzo. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta you choose.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Q3: Can I add protein to this dish?

A3: You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu if you’d like to boost the protein content. Just cook the protein separately and add it at the end.

Q4: Is this dish gluten-free?

A4: Orzo is typically made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q5: How can I make this dish creamier?

A5: For a creamier version, you can stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk at the end for added richness.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chickpea Orzo is a dream come true for anyone looking for an easy, healthy, and satisfying meal. With minimal effort and just one pot, you’ll have a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender orzo, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant spinach makes it a winning meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a keeper! So go ahead, get that pot on the stove, and enjoy!

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