Chickpea Orzo

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Creamy, cozy, and utterly satisfying, Chickpea Orzo is your weeknight dinner hero. This one-pot wonder brings together tender orzo pasta, protein-packed chickpeas, and savory aromatics in a velvety broth that soaks up flavor beautifully. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish with minimal ingredients and maximum comfort.

Whether you’re vegetarian, meal-prepping for the week, or simply seeking something wholesome and quick, this dish delivers. It’s rich without being heavy, and with a simple swirl of lemon juice and fresh herbs at the end, it tastes bright and balanced every time.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and lends itself perfectly to creamy, risotto-style dishes. For this Chickpea Orzo recipe, regular durum wheat orzo is ideal. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to substitute with a GF orzo variety made from rice or corn flour—just note the texture may vary slightly.

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Ingredients for the Chickpea Orzo

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish

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How To Make the Chickpea Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Chickpeas

Stir in the orzo and chickpeas, coating them well in the spice mixture. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Lemon

Once the orzo is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and brightness.

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How to Serve and Store Chickpea Orzo

Chickpea Orzo is best served warm, straight from the stove. It makes a fantastic main course on its own, or you can pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a more rounded meal. The orzo will continue to thicken as it sits, so stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid to loosen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, small pastas like ditalini or small shells can work, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Is Chickpea Orzo freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the orzo may change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative. You could also try crumbled feta or a vegan cheese blend.

Can I add greens to this dish?

Absolutely! Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

How do I make it spicy?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your taste.

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Want More One-Pot Meal Ideas?

If you love this cozy Chickpea Orzo, you might also enjoy these other hearty, easy dinners:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich, savory favorite.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a protein-packed skillet option.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s full of bold flavor.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for hands-off comfort.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for pasta lovers who like a bit of indulgence.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with greens? Add a spicy twist? Swap in a different cheese?

I love hearing your variations and tips. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other to cook creatively.

You can also find more of my daily recipe shares on Pinterest @ Nina Dishes

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