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Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 53 reviews

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chickpeas, al dente orzo, aromatic shallots and garlic, fresh thyme, and a splash of heavy cream. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this easy skillet meal offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, topped with Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner with a hearty, wholesome touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or 3 cups water + 3 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon)
  • 1 small bundle fresh thyme sprigs

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, tomato bruschetta, Calabrian chiles, or similar
  • 1–2 cups fresh spinach, torn into pieces
  • Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Red pepper flakes for topping
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Aromatics and Chickpeas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallot and garlic slices; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Next, add the drained chickpeas and tomato paste to the skillet, and continue to sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the tomato paste develops a deeper red color, intensifying the flavor.
  2. Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle low simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  3. Finish Sauce: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce turns luscious and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more cream for richness if preferred.
  4. Add-Ins: Stir in the jarred sun-dried tomatoes (or tomato bruschetta, Calabrian chiles, or similar) and the torn fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach is wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve the dish sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, and fresh thyme for a fragrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use chicken broth or a water and bouillon combination for a more flavorful base.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with tomato bruschetta or Calabrian chiles depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Adjust creaminess by varying the amount of heavy cream added to your taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Keywords: chickpeas, orzo, creamy pasta, skillet dinner, quick meal, Mediterranean, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/marry-me-chickpeas-and-orzo-recipe/