Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal that combines tender chickpeas, flavorful orzo, and a rich tomato cream sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

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)
• A small bundle of fresh thyme
• 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, red pepper flakes, and more thyme for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chickpeas and tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste develops a deeper red color.
3. Step 3: Add the orzo, chicken broth, and thyme sprigs to the skillet. Bring to a low simmer, then cover and cook for 7-9 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the thyme sprigs. Keep the heat on low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and luscious. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in your choice of sun-dried or fresh tomatoes and the torn spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Try adding cooked sausage or grilled chicken for extra protein.
• You can swap fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
• Use a good-quality tomato paste and broth to maximize flavor in this simple dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas until tender before adding them to the recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but adding red pepper flakes or Calabrian chiles will give it a pleasant, spicy kick if you prefer heat.

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This comforting Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chickpeas, hearty orzo pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. Infused with garlic, shallots, fresh thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it’s a perfect quick and satisfying meal that blends Mediterranean flavors with a creamy finish. Topped with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, this recipe elevates an everyday chickpea and pasta dinner into something special and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Pasta & Broth

• 1 cup orzo (such as DeLallo brand)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or 3 cups water + 3 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon)
• A small bundle of fresh thyme

Sauce & Add-Ins

• 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

Toppings

• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Additional fresh thyme for garnish

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Instructions

1. Aromatics and Chickpeas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallot and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Then, add the drained chickpeas and tomato paste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture develops a deeper red color and the flavors meld together.
2. Cook Orzo: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and add the thyme sprigs to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 7-9 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Finish Sauce: Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Keep the heat on low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it becomes luscious and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as desired, adding a bit more cream if you prefer a richer texture.
4. Add-Ins: Stir in the jarred sun-dried tomatoes (or tomato bruschetta or Calabrian chiles) and fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
5. Serve: Plate the creamy chickpeas and orzo, then sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and additional fresh thyme for garnish. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or Calabrian chiles based on your heat preference.
• Use fresh thyme for best flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon).
• If you want a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Orzo can be swapped for other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: chickpeas, orzo, creamy pasta, Mediterranean, one-pan dish, vegetarian, easy dinner, tomato cream sauce