Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo
Savor this hearty and wholesome Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo — a vibrant vegan dish packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fragrant herbs. This easy, nourishing meal fits perfectly into your lineup of healthy summer meals and high protein recipes dinner, making it a smart choice for a quick, delicious dinner or lunch. Ideal for those seeking homemade recipes that are both comforting and nutritious!
Ingredients
- For the Chickpeas:
- 1 tablespoon oil avocado oil recommended
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Orzo:
- 1 tablespoon oil avocado oil recommended
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried orzo
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups broth or water
- 2 handfuls spinach
- ½ cup non-dairy cream unsweetened or non-dairy milk
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Vegan parmesan optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas, dried parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove chickpeas from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried parsley, oregano, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in orzo and coat with the tomato mixture. Pour in broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in spinach, non-dairy cream, and cooked chickpeas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and dish is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and vegan parmesan if desired before serving.