Description
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish combining creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and protein-packed chickpeas with orzo pasta for a satisfying, quick meal.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup ricotta cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss everything together. Add vegetable broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a vegan version, swap the ricotta and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like vegan ricotta and nutritional yeast.
To add extra protein, top the dish with grilled chicken, tofu, or extra chickpeas.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
- You can substitute the orzo with any small pasta shape like farfalle or penne.
- For extra zest, add extra lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
