Description
Zesty Orzo Pasta with Creamy Ricotta and Protein-Packed Chickpeas is a vibrant, feel-good dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Tender orzo is tossed with creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest, juicy tomatoes, and fiber-rich chickpeas—finished with fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired bite that’s ready in under 30 minutes! #OrzoRecipe #RicottaPasta #ChickpeaPasta #MeatlessMonday #EasyDinner #MediterraneanRecipes #QuickPasta #HealthyComfortFood
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes until chickpeas are slightly golden.
- Stir in lemon zest and cherry tomatoes. Cook another 2–3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet and stir to combine evenly with the chickpea mixture.
- Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta, Parmesan (if using), and lemon juice. Mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Great served warm, cold, or as a make-ahead lunch.
- Swap ricotta with goat cheese or Greek yogurt for a different twist.
- Add spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens.
- To make it vegan, use vegan ricotta and skip Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg