Lemon Herb Orzo Chickpeas

Brighten up your dinner table with this One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo. It is a vibrant, zesty one-pot meal that brings together tender orzo pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and a fresh medley of spring vegetables. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is not only healthy and budget-friendly but also incredibly easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

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The combination of zesty lemon juice, aromatic dill, and earthy oregano creates a light sauce that coats every grain of orzo. Adding the spinach at the very end ensures it stays bright green and tender, while the sautéed zucchini and asparagus provide a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) dry orzo pasta
• 1 can (15 oz/400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (120 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (120 g) sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup (140 g) zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (100 g) baby spinach, packed
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic, zucchini, asparagus, and sugar snap peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just starting to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast.

Step 4

Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5

Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach is wilted.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Add parsley and dill, toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt just before serving. Toasting the orzo for one minute before adding the broth is a small step that significantly enhances the nutty depth of the pasta.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan protein boost, add extra chickpeas or a handful of shelled edamame. You can easily substitute other spring vegetables as desired, such as peas, green beans, or broccoli. To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free orzo or another small pasta shape.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish warm, garnished with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with lemon.

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This One-Pot Lemon Herb Orzo is a simple yet elegant meal that celebrates the best of spring produce. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this colorful skillet dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can other vegetables be used instead of spring veggies?

Yes, you can substitute with peas, green beans, or broccoli depending on what’s in season or available.

→ How can I add creaminess to this dish?

Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative just before serving for a creamier texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

As written, it is vegetarian and nut-free. For vegan protein boost, add extra chickpeas or shelled edamame.

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, gluten-free orzo or small pasta will work well as a substitute to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

→ What herbs give this dish its bright flavor?

Fresh parsley, dill, oregano, and lemon zest combine to create a fresh, aromatic profile.

→ How long does the cooking process take?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes and cooking around 20 minutes, totaling roughly 30 minutes for the complete dish.