Some recipes just make life easier, and One Pot Chickpea Orzo is one of them. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and wholesome goodness—tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful, aromatic broth, paired with protein-packed chickpeas and vibrant veggies.
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The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or a meal-prep-friendly dish, this one’s got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love One Pot Chickpea Orzo
Quick & Easy:
Perfect for busy days when you need something satisfying in under 30 minutes.
One-Pot Wonder:
Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal (and less scrubbing after!).
Healthy & Hearty:
Packed with protein from chickpeas and fiber from orzo and veggies.
Customizable:
Easily adjust the spices, veggies, or add-ins to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep:
Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or leftovers
Ingredients in One Pot Chickpea Orzo
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta soaks up all the flavors while keeping a perfect texture.
Chickpeas: A great plant-based protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
Onion & Garlic: The flavor base that adds depth and aroma to the dish.
Carrots & Spinach: A mix of sweetness and greens for a fresh, nutritious boost.
Vegetable Broth: Infuses the orzo with rich, savory flavor.
Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, zesty touch.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing out the best in the aromatics.
Spices (Paprika, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes): A simple yet bold combination that enhances every bite.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the Tomato Paste & Spices:
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a minute to let the flavors deepen.
Pour in the Broth & Chickpeas:
Add vegetable broth and chickpeas. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Orzo & Cook:
Add orzo pasta, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Let it cook until tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Fold in the Spinach & Lemon Juice:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice. Let it wilt for a minute.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh herbs, extra lemon zest, or a sprinkle of Parmesan (if not keeping it vegan).
How to Serve One Pot Chickpea Orzo
- As a Main Dish: Serve it as is for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty orzo.
- With Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining broth.
- As a Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or roasted veggies.
Additional Tips
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a bit of coconut milk or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer texture.
- Add More Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes! It may take a little longer to cook, so adjust the broth accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap orzo for a small gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
Q3: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, but the texture may be a bit looser. Use diced tomatoes and reduce the broth slightly.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the orzo may soften when thawed. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q6: What’s the best way to make this oil-free?
Simply sauté the onions and carrots in a bit of vegetable broth instead of olive oil.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger pot and adjust liquid as needed.
Q8: What herbs go well with this?
Fresh parsley, basil, or dill add a lovely finishing touch.
Q9: Can I add cheese?
Yes! Feta or Parmesan are great additions if you’re not keeping it vegan.
Q10: Can I use another type of pasta?
Sure! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous work well.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chickpea Orzo is everything you need in a go-to meal—easy, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s bound to become a favorite.
Print
One Pot Chickpea Orzo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This creamy One Pot Chickpea Orzo is a quick and satisfying meal, packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tender orzo, and savory Pecorino cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, half smashed
- 3/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onions turn translucent and garlic is fragrant.
-
Toast the Orzo:
- Stir in the orzo and cook, stirring constantly, until some grains start turning golden brown.
-
Deglaze & Simmer:
- Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce by half.
- Add chicken stock and half and half, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let orzo cook until al dente.
-
Add Chickpeas & Cheese:
- Stir in the mashed and whole chickpeas, cooking until the pasta is fully tender. If needed, add water by the tablespoon to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with more black pepper and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Substitute Parmesan for Pecorino if needed.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg