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5.0 from 45 votes

Cajun Orzo Chickpeas

1 pan 6 Ingredient Cajun orzo chickpeas are a satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor, and ready in 20 minutes. Tender orzo goes so well with hearty chickpeas and lots of deep, Cajun spices..

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 265 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste or use minced ginger and garlic or just garlic, if you don't like ginger
  • 2 teaspoons cajun spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cup water or broth or a mix of coconut milk and water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 15 ounce cans of chickpeas drained, or use 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup dry orzo
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup vegetables of choice or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil or 2 tablespoons broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add splashes of water to help onion cook evenly.
  2. Then add in the ginger-garlic paste, the Cajun spices, and ketchup and mix really well for a few seconds. Add veggies if using at this point and cook for a minute. Mix in the broth and salt, and bring to a boil, then mix the chickpeas and orzo.
  3. Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your pan. Stir once or twice in between so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the pan. Check in at the 7 or 8 minute mark, mix well, close the lid and continue to cook, if needed. If you like it to be saucier, you can add in 1/4 cup or more coconut milk.Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Add more Cajun, tang or herbs if needed.
  4. Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another 2 mins or more for flavors to meld and settle(spices take time to infuse freshly cooked pasta), then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.

Notes

  • This recipe is naturally soy-free and nut-free. Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
  • Tips: some pasta brands will tend to absorb more liquid, so if itstarts to stick too much, add 1/2-1 cup more liquid to cook. 
  • Nutritional information doesn't include optional ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Calories 265kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 0.4g (2%) Sodium 374mg (16%) Potassium 424mg (12%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 560IU (11%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 67mg (7%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 265

% Daily Value*

Calories 265kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Sodium 374mg 16%
Potassium 424mg 9%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 560IU 11%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 67mg 7%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.