Description
This easy and flavorful One Pot Chickpea Orzo is a nutritious and wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender orzo pasta cooked with chickpeas and a medley of fresh vegetables in a fragrant herb-infused broth, it’s a comforting dish packed with protein and fiber. Finished with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and optional feta cheese for a creamy touch, this recipe delivers vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Cook Garlic and Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Chickpeas and Orzo: Stir in the drained chickpeas and orzo pasta, mixing well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Simmer with Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add Frozen Peas (Optional): In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to allow them to heat through without overcooking.
- Finish and Brighten: Once the orzo is cooked and the liquid absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese over the top, if using, adding extra flavor and creaminess.
- Serve Warm: Serve the one-pot chickpea orzo warm and enjoy this comforting, healthy meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Customize with other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added variation.
- The lemon juice at the end brightens the dish but can be omitted if preferred.
- Adding frozen peas is optional but adds a nice pop of color and sweetness.
