Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo
This 'Marry Me' Chickpeas and Orzo recipe is a comforting, savory, vegetarian-friendly dish that's ridiculously easy and quick to prepare. Its creamy sauce, tender orzo, and savory chickpeas create an unforgettable flavor profile, rumored to be so delicious it might inspire a proposal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 can chickpeas 15 ounce, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup orzo
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bundle fresh thyme small
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, tomato bruschetta, or Calabrian chiles optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach torn into pieces, optional
- Parmesan cheese for topping, optional
- red pepper flakes for topping, optional
- fresh thyme for topping, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics: Grab your favorite large skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your thinly sliced shallot. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then, until it's lovely and soft. Now, add your thinly sliced garlic and let it cook for just 1 more minute. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing – that's the fragrant magic happening!
- Step 2: Build Flavor: Next up, stir in those drained chickpeas and the concentrated tomato paste. Give it a good stir for 1-2 minutes, making sure those chickpeas are nicely coated in all that savory goodness. Then, add the uncooked orzo. Stir it around for about 1 minute. This step is called "toasting" and it helps prevent the pasta from getting gummy and adds a deeper flavor profile to your final dish.
- Step 3: Simmer: Now, pour in the chicken (or vegetable!) broth and nestle in your small bundle of fresh thyme. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling ever so slightly, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on your skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This is where the orzo gets tender and slurps up all that delicious liquid. Make sure to stir it occasionally – maybe every 3-4 minutes – to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Step 4: Finish the Dish: Time for the grand finale! Carefully remove and discard the thyme bundle. Stir in the heavy cream until everything is beautifully combined and lusciously creamy. If you're using them, now's the time to add the sun-dried tomatoes (or bruschetta or chiles!) and the fresh spinach. Continue to cook for just 1-2 minutes more, just until the spinach has wilted into the sauce and the whole dish is wonderfully creamy and heated through.
- Step 5: Serve: Ladle this incredible Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo into bowls. For an extra touch, top with optional Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing, and a few fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: Instead of or in addition to spinach, try stirring in chopped kale, roasted red peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas at the end. For more protein, cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or savory crispy air fryer garlic tofu nuggets would be delicious mixed in at the end. You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti if no orzo is available, though cooking times might vary slightly. Besides Parmesan, a swirl of goat cheese or a dollop of fresh ricotta can add an extra layer of creaminess and tang. A pinch of cayenne pepper with the tomato paste, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end, will kick up the heat! Fresh basil or oregano would also be lovely instead of (or in addition to) thyme.
Tips for Success: Keep an eye on the cooking time during the simmering stage; overcooked orzo can become mushy, you want it tender but still with a little bite (al dente). Orzo can sometimes stick to the bottom of the pan, so a quick stir every few minutes during simmering will prevent this. If your dish seems too thick at the end, add an extra splash of broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken slightly. You can slice your shallots and garlic ahead of time to make dinner prep even faster. Using good quality olive oil and fresh herbs really elevates the flavors!
How to Store: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the orzo might have absorbed a lot of the sauce. You'll likely need to add a splash of broth or milk/cream to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. While you can technically freeze this dish, the creamy sauce and pasta might separate a bit or change texture upon thawing. It's generally best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.