Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas & Orzo dish is cozy, creamy, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors. Juicy tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, tender orzo, and sun-dried tomato richness all come together in one skillet for an easy, feel-good vegan dinner. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that makes plant-based cooking feel *decadent*! #VeganComfortFood #TuscanChickpeas #OrzoRecipes #DairyFreeDinners #OnePanMeal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chickpeas
- 1 tbsp oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Orzo
- 1 tbsp oil (avocado oil recommended)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried orzo
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups broth (or water)
- 2 handfuls spinach
- ½ cup unsweetened non-dairy cream (or non-dairy milk)
- Fresh basil
- Vegan parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp oil. Add chickpeas, parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are golden and crisp. Set aside.
- In a separate large pan, heat remaining oil. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried parsley, oregano, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until tomatoes start to burst and release juices.
- Stir in orzo, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add spinach, non-dairy cream, and cooked chickpeas. Stir to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts and mixture is creamy.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with vegan parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use unsweetened oat or cashew cream instead of milk.
- Can sub in canned white beans or lentils if chickpeas aren’t on hand.
- Great for meal prep — the flavors deepen even more the next day!
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg