Description
Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo is a delightful and comforting one-pan dish featuring tender orzo pasta soaked in a rich, creamy sauce made with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make skillet recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy textures and fresh flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to develop but preventing burning.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Mix in the chickpeas, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach starts to wilt, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir well until the orzo is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth; if unavailable, cherry tomatoes can be a substitute but will alter texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, as broth and cheese can add sodium.
- Serve this dish immediately for best texture; reheating may thicken the sauce further.
