Name: Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 shallot, minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup roughly-chopped fresh basil leaves; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

Meet your new weeknight obsession: Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo. This dish is an irresistible medley of creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas, all brought together with silky cream and fresh basil. Every bite feels cozy and indulgent, yet it’s totally achievable in just 30 minutes. Imagine the flavors of an Italian trattoria—with the ease of a one-pan dinner. If you’re craving maximum flavor with minimal effort, this is the recipe that deserves all your love.

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes to make Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo sing are a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays its part in creating layers of flavor, color, and even a little magic in every forkful.

Olive oil: For sautéing and building a rich, golden base.
Shallot (minced): Provides sweet, subtle depth that keeps things from tasting flat.
Garlic (minced): Adds classic, savory warmth that ties everything together.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
Canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained): Creamy, protein-packed, and the real heart of the dish.
Vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo and chickpeas with savory goodness as they cook.
Uncooked orzo pasta: The tender, rice-shaped pasta that brings creaminess and body.
Sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped): Intense, tangy pops of color and flavor in every bite.
Italian seasoning: Herbaceous notes that tie into that “marry me” flavor.
Heavy cream: Turns the sauce lusciously creamy and rich—absolutely essential!
Fresh baby spinach (two large handfuls): Wilts into the sauce and adds color, softness, and a touch of earthiness.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, salty magic that thickens the sauce.
Fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped): Fragrant herbal lift that brightens everything.
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper: For perfect seasoning—taste as you go.

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes, allowing the shallots to soften and the aromas to fill your kitchen. This builds the flavorful foundation that the rest of the Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo will soak up.

Step 2: Simmer Your Core Ingredients

Pour in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Keep the mixture at a lively simmer, and don’t forget to stir frequently—this ensures your orzo cooks evenly and helps the starches thicken the sauce, starting that signature creaminess.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Greens, and Cheese

Once the orzo is just shy of al dente, it’s time for the finishing touches. Add the heavy cream, baby spinach, Parmesan, and chopped basil. Stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts gently and the orzo becomes perfectly tender. This is when your Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo transforms into a glossy, irresistible skillet meal.

Step 4: Season and Taste

Now for the most personal step—taste! Adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper as needed. This is your chance to make the flavors sing to your own palate before serving.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Spoon your Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo into shallow bowls, top with an extra twist of black pepper, and soak up the praise from anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner.

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

Garnishes

Dress up each serving with a few fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and a swirl of good olive oil or crack of black pepper. A scatter of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or even a pinch of lemon zest can add unexpected brightness.

Side Dishes

This creamy Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo is a one-pan wonder, but it pairs beautifully with sides. Think a crisp, zesty arugula salad, some roasted broccolini, or toasted sourdough to soak up every bit of sauce. Keep sides light and fresh—let the main dish shine!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo into small ramekins or serve it family-style from a big, rustic skillet. Or channel Italian trattoria vibes by piling it high on a wide platter, topped with a jumble of herbs and a generous grating of cheese at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo to an airtight container once it’s cooled down. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making lunch or dinner the next day especially delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo, the cream and cheese-based sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing. If you do freeze it, seal portions in airtight containers for up to two months and be sure to stir thoroughly as you reheat.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave individual servings with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture—stir partway through for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo delivers the signature creaminess, you can swap in other small pasta—like ditalini or small shells—if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the pasta is just al dente.

How can I make Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream in place of heavy cream and vegan Parmesan cheese. This keeps the dish just as luscious and satisfying.

Are there protein variations for this recipe?

Definitely! Chickpeas add great plant-based protein, but cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed mushrooms would all work beautifully if you want to mix things up.

Can I prepare Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo ahead of time for a party?

Yes—just slightly undercook the orzo, then cool quickly and store as directed. Reheat gently with a bit more cream or broth right before serving so it’s rich and saucy for your guests.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the orzo for your favorite gluten-free small pasta or even cooked white rice (add at the end). Make sure the broth and all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have a fabulous gluten-free Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo experience.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo, it’ll be hard not to fall head over heels for its comfort and flavor. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, yet special enough for heartfelt gatherings. Give it a try—your kitchen (and your company) will be all the happier for it!