Marry Me Chickpeas & Orzo: Ultimate Comfort Food
Creamy, dreamy chickpeas and orzo simmered with shallots and garlic create the ultimate comforting pasta dish.
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.
- 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.