Description
A flavorful and easy one-pot Mediterranean-inspired chickpea orzo dish, combining tender orzo pasta with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon, finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, nutritious vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it by stirring continuously for 1–2 minutes. This brings out its nutty flavor and prevents it from sticking together.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the orzo: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Incorporate spinach and finish: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the chickpea orzo into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
- You can add roasted vegetables or grilled chicken to enhance the meal if desired.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
