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This one-pot chickpeas and orzo dish is simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil and spinach. So delicious and ready to go in 30!
“Marry me” chicken recipes have been flooding the internet over the past few years, and with good reason — a pan full of creamy, sun-dried tomato and basil chicken can’t help but be a winner! Here in our house, though, I wanted to make a version that my vegetarian husband and pasta-loving toddler could enjoy too. Thus, this orzo and chickpeas dish was born. ♡
It’s basically just a “marry me” take on our family’s favorite lemony spiced orzo and chickpeas recipe. But this time, of course, made with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a garlicky creamy broth, loads of fresh basil and a generous shower of Parmesan, all simmered together with perfectly chewy al dente pasta and protein-packed chickpeas. It’s a one-pot, 30-minute dinner that the whole family adores. And I’m pretty sure even all of the omnivores out there won’t miss the chicken!
That said, meals like this one are inherently customizable. So if you feel like adding in an additional protein (such as Italian sausage, shrimp, salmon or chicken), it would be quite easy to do. Or there are all sorts of other veggies and add-ins that could be delicious mixed in too. However you approach this one, the basic formula is famously so good that it will want to make everyone want to marry the cook. So…get ready to fall in love! ;)
Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo Ingredients
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients you will need to make this recipe:
Chickpeas: I love using a can of organic chickpeas (rinsed and drained) to add plant-based protein and a nice bit of texture to the dish. But a can of white beans, black beans, lentils, or any other favorite legumes could also totally work well here.
Orzo: The small rice-like shape of orzo soaks up the broth and adds lovely al dente texture to the dish. If you don’t happen to have orzo available, any other small shape of pasta will work well too.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes add the signature “Marry Me” depth of flavor and richness to this dish. I purchased a jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (which, by the way, you can use to sauté the shallot and garlic for extra flavor!), but you can also reconstitute dried sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.
Aromatics: A simple mix of shallot and garlic build extra flavor into the broth.
Greens: A handful of chopped fresh baby spinach adds an extra boost of color and nutrition, or chopped kale would also work great here too.
Vegetable broth: Veggie broth (or you could also use chicken broth) adds an extra layer of flavor as we cook the orzo.
Heavy cream: A splash of heavy cream helps to finish the dish and make it deliciously rich and creamy.
Parmesan: The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan helps to thicken and add a layer of umami flavor to the sauce. As always, I highly recommend buying a wedge of Parmesan and grating it yourself for the most robust flavor and melty texture.
Fresh basil: The more, the merrier when it comes to adding in chopped fresh basil leaves, which add such a delicious pop of fresh flavor and color to the dish.
Dried seasonings: Finally, we’ll use a simple mix of dried Italian seasonings, crushed red pepper flakes, fine sea salt, and freshly-ground black pepper to season the dish.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few additional variations that you’re welcome to try with this recipe:
Add a protein: Add sautéed Italian sausage, ground beef, chicken or shrimp.
Add extra veggies: Add your favorite sautéed veggies, such as asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms or zucchini.
Add extra mix-ins: Add anything from artichoke hearts to capers, olives, pine nuts, or roasted red peppers.
Add pesto: Add a swirl of basil pesto in place of (or in addition to) the fresh basil.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gf.
More One-Pot Recipes
Looking for more delicious one pot recipes to try? Here are a few of our favorites:
This one-pot chickpeas and orzo dish is simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil and spinach. So delicious and ready to go in 30!
Sauté the aromatics.Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Simmer.Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, or whatever temperature is needed to maintain a low simmer. Then continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the orzo is just shy of al dente.
Add the remaining ingredients.Add heavy cream, spinach, Parmesan, basil and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and the orzo is al dente.
Season.Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve.Serve warm, garnished with an additional twist of black pepper, and enjoy!
Delicious! We love Marry Me Chicken, but this is better. We didn’t miss the chicken at all. Even my meat-eating husband likes this vegetarian recipe better. Best food blog
I don’t think I have made one recipe on this site that hasn’t turned out great! You’ve hit the ball right out of the park with this one; its absolutely delicious & so tasty! Followed the recipe as written except for using a lighter cream which was 5% cream as that’s what I had on hand. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
This was so delicious! It was still a bit runny after simmering the orzo to al dente, so I did end up boiling then adding an extra half cup of orzo to the mixture before adding the rest of the ingredients. Other than this change, it was delicious and my 8 year olds loved it too!
I made this exactly as posted and it is absolutely delicious. A very mix of the earthiness of the main ingredients with a bit of spice from the pepper flakes and tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes. I think next time I would cut back a bit on the parmesan — just personal taste — but perfect! So good, thank you :)
I’m trying to cut down on meat and add more legumes to my diet, so I’m happy to have found this recipe. It’s delicious!! I’ll definitely be making this again and again.
Subbed a big scoop of whole milk ricotta and splash of whole milk for the heavy cream because it’s what I had. Delicious flavors and super quick to make. My two year old wouldn’t touch but that’s not a surprise. More for the rest of us!
Made this today- I’m vegan though so I used cashew cream instead of the half and half, put a bit of nooch in instead of the Parmesan, and I added soy curls for some “meat” mainly because I wanted to use them up- delicious!!
Delicious! We added artichoke hearts and capers. Substituted silken tofu blended up with nutritional yeast and lemon juice for the heavy cream. Might add some edamame next time or green beans.
This turned out tasting great! Only thing is it was watery I don’t l is what I did wrong. So it’s more a soup then a thick creamy pasta. Overall tastes great
I don’t normally comment on recipes but I had to on this one. Absolutely delicious!! Followed the recipe as is and it turned out exactly as described. This is my new favourite, thank you!
This dish turned out FABULOUS! I veganized it with Oat milk& vegan parmesan & it’s DELISH! Thanks for the super easy/tasty meal, this will definitely be made again!
Delicious! We love Marry Me Chicken, but this is better. We didn’t miss the chicken at all. Even my meat-eating husband likes this vegetarian recipe better. Best food blog
Any nutritional info? I have a diabetic child. We count carbs, fat and protein
I don’t think I have made one recipe on this site that hasn’t turned out great! You’ve hit the ball right out of the park with this one; its absolutely delicious & so tasty! Followed the recipe as written except for using a lighter cream which was 5% cream as that’s what I had on hand. Will definitely add this to the rotation.
This was so delicious! It was still a bit runny after simmering the orzo to al dente, so I did end up boiling then adding an extra half cup of orzo to the mixture before adding the rest of the ingredients. Other than this change, it was delicious and my 8 year olds loved it too!
I made this exactly as posted and it is absolutely delicious. A very mix of the earthiness of the main ingredients with a bit of spice from the pepper flakes and tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes. I think next time I would cut back a bit on the parmesan — just personal taste — but perfect! So good, thank you :)
I’m trying to cut down on meat and add more legumes to my diet, so I’m happy to have found this recipe. It’s delicious!! I’ll definitely be making this again and again.
Subbed a big scoop of whole milk ricotta and splash of whole milk for the heavy cream because it’s what I had. Delicious flavors and super quick to make. My two year old wouldn’t touch but that’s not a surprise. More for the rest of us!
So easy and yummy!! Love this dish, thank you For sharing!
This is soooo easy and sooo good! I didn’t have heavy cream, so I subbed in greek yogurt. Amazing!
Made this today- I’m vegan though so I used cashew cream instead of the half and half, put a bit of nooch in instead of the Parmesan, and I added soy curls for some “meat” mainly because I wanted to use them up- delicious!!
Delicious! We added artichoke hearts and capers. Substituted silken tofu blended up with nutritional yeast and lemon juice for the heavy cream. Might add some edamame next time or green beans.
I made this recipe for my boyfriend and then three weeks later he proposed. Coincidence? I think not!
Amazing, did sub northern beans for the garbanzo because of preference, but man the flavor was incredible!
Absolutely delicious! Didn’t have orzo and used basmati rice instead and it was still five stars! A recipe to write down and pass down. 🖤🖤
This turned out tasting great! Only thing is it was watery I don’t l is what I did wrong. So it’s more a soup then a thick creamy pasta. Overall tastes great
I don’t normally comment on recipes but I had to on this one. Absolutely delicious!! Followed the recipe as is and it turned out exactly as described. This is my new favourite, thank you!
Hi, I am wondering if this would work served at room temperature for an upcoming potluck? Looking forward to your reply. Thank you!!
This dish turned out FABULOUS! I veganized it with Oat milk& vegan parmesan & it’s DELISH! Thanks for the super easy/tasty meal, this will definitely be made again!
OMG, this is so good! My husband and I loved it!