Chickpea Orzo Recipe (Healthy One-Skillet Dinner) Recipe
This Chickpea Orzo Recipe is a healthy, one-skillet dinner that combines tender orzo pasta with nutrient-packed chickpeas, kale, and a rich tomato base. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal, featuring sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a creamy finish with Parmesan or lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, cut into discs
- 3 packed cups kale, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (or dried oregano)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 – 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g each can — drained and rinsed) or 3 cups / 460 g cooked chickpeas
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or substitute chicken broth)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (or ditalini)
For Serving
- 1 handful grated Parmesan cheese (or a squeeze of lemon)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and kale with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the kale wilts.
- Build flavor: Stir in the grated garlic, rosemary, and tomato paste. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, stirring often, until the mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color.
- Add chickpeas and simmer: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, cover the skillet, and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet along with 1 to 2 cups more broth if needed to ensure the pasta is covered. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is nearly tender. Turn off the heat just before the orzo is fully cooked as it will finish cooking off heat.
- Taste and serve: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the dish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Orzo will continue to absorb liquid and soften after cooking, so avoid overcooking.
- For a vegan option, omit Parmesan and use lemon juice instead.
- Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
Keywords: chickpea orzo, one skillet dinner, healthy dinner, vegetarian pasta, kale and chickpeas, quick dinner recipe, Mediterranean vegetarian meal
