Description
Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo is a comforting, nutritious one-pot meal featuring hearty chickpeas, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vegetarian dish combines wholesome ingredients for a fast, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chickpeas and Orzo
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to release their rich, sweet flavor, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step enhances the nuttiness of the orzo and helps it maintain a pleasant texture once cooked.
- Add Broth and Chickpeas: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring to create a silky sauce. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, folding them gently into the creamy mixture for color and nutrition.
- Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts thoroughly, giving the dish a rich, savory finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo; keep it slightly al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Reserve some pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add extra richness to the dish.
- Add spinach at the end to keep its vibrant green color and fresh texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: creamy tuscan chickpeas, orzo recipe, one pot meal, vegetarian dinner, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, healthy chickpeas, comfort food