Description
Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender orzo pasta with protein-rich chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach in a creamy sauce. This Italian-inspired vegetarian meal is easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dish:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme.
- Add Ingredients: Add chickpeas, orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in spinach until wilted. Reduce heat, add cream and Parmesan. Cook until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
