Easy • Vegetarian
Quick Chickpea and Spinach Orzo
A Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian orzo dish featuring chickpeas, spinach, and bright lemon flavor.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 3
- Level
- Easy
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Need a light, flavorful, and incredibly quick meal? This Quick Chickpea and Spinach Orzo is your new best friend! It’s bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, easy to whip up, and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or a speedy weeknight dinner. Get ready for a delicious, vibrant dish!
Ingredients
Yield: 3 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1.5 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add orzo and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
Step 2
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach has wilted.
Step 5
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Serve immediately, topped with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or dill with the garlic.
- If you prefer a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully here.
- Don't rinse the orzo after cooking; the starch helps create a creamy sauce.
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