Marry Me Chickpeas & Orzo: Ultimate Comfort Food

Marry Me Chickpeas & Orzo: Ultimate Comfort Food

Creamy, dreamy chickpeas and orzo simmered with shallots and garlic create the ultimate comforting pasta dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

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
• a small bundle of fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, tomato bruschetta (my favorite!), Calabrian chiles, or similar

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and the garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add the chickpeas and tomato paste; sauté for another 2-3 minutes until it has developed a deeper red color.
• Add the orzo, chicken broth, and thyme sprigs; bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 7-9 minutes.
• Remove the thyme sprigs. Keep the heat on low. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 more minutes, until it’s totally luscious and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more cream if you want.
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes until heated through.
• Serve sprinkled with fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

– For an extra layer of flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a hint of spice.
– Wilt in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added greens.
– Garnish generously with fresh Parmesan and more fresh thyme.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Keyword chickpeas orzo

The technique that makes it

The trick to this Marry Me Chickpeas & Orzo lies in the careful layering of flavors and the precise cooking of the orzo. It begins with building an aromatic base: sautéing the shallots and garlic in olive oil until softened and fragrant releases their sweet and pungent compounds. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor before adding the other ingredients. Next, the tomato paste is introduced and cooked briefly. This process, known as caramelization, deepens its flavor, transforming its raw, slightly metallic taste into a rich, umami-rich foundation. Adding the chickpeas at this stage allows them to absorb some of these initial flavors. The orzo is then toasted lightly in the pan with the aromatics and tomato paste. This toasting step is a key technique for orzo, as it helps each grain to hold its shape during cooking and imparts a subtle nutty flavor. Once the broth is added, it’s important to bring it to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. This method ensures the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy. The final addition of heavy cream and the flavorful sun-dried tomatoes (or bruschetta topping/chiles) emulsifies into a luxurious sauce that coats every grain of orzo and chickpea, creating the signature creamy, comforting texture. The residual heat from the cooked orzo and chickpeas is enough to warm through the cream and tomatoes without further cooking, preventing curdling.

Troubleshooting

• Orzo is mushy: This usually happens if the heat was too high during cooking, causing the orzo to absorb liquid too quickly and break down, or if it was over-stirred. To fix, reduce heat immediately and avoid excessive stirring. If already mushy, you can try to salvage it by adding a splash more broth and gently folding in the sauce ingredients, but the texture will be compromised.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce hasn’t thickened to your liking after the cream and sun-dried tomatoes are added, you can simmer it gently, uncovered, for a few extra minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can cause the cream to separate. Alternatively, you can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
• Flavor is bland: Ensure you’ve properly sautéed the shallots and garlic and cooked the tomato paste. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper at the end. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if desired.
• Chickpeas are too firm: While chickpeas are pre-cooked, they can sometimes remain a bit firm if not given enough time to absorb the cooking liquid. Ensure they are added early enough to simmer with the orzo and broth. If they are still too firm, you can gently mash a few against the side of the pot to release their starch and help thicken the sauce.

Substitutions

• Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian or vegan option. For a richer flavor, consider mushroom broth. The liquid will be less savory than chicken broth, so you may need to adjust seasonings.
• Heavy cream: Full-fat coconut milk can be substituted for a dairy-free version. It will impart a subtle coconut flavor, which pairs surprisingly well with the tomato and chickpea. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Sun-dried tomatoes/bruschetta topping/chiles: Finely chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar) offer a similar sweetness and texture. A tablespoon of pesto can also add a bright, herbaceous note. If using Calabrian chiles, adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Shallot: A small yellow onion or two scallions (white and light green parts) can be substituted. The flavor profile will be slightly different; onion will be more pungent, while scallions will be milder and greener.

Pro tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a hint of spice.
• Wilt in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added greens.
• Garnish generously with fresh Parmesan and more fresh thyme.

This Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Adjust the cream and seasonings to your liking for a truly personalized dish. Enjoy!

Try this next: Creamy Avocado Bacon Orzo Dream

More from Creamy Pasta Recipes →

Frequently asked questions