Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the sauce won't be quite as creamy. For a richer result, you might add an extra tablespoon of butter or an additional sprinkle of cheese at the end.

Is there a substitute for orzo if I can't find it?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even pearl couscous can work as substitutes, though cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust your liquid and cooking time accordingly.

How do I properly smash chickpeas?

The easiest method is using a fork to gently crush them in a bowl before adding to the pot. Aim for a mix of textures - some completely smashed, some partially broken. This creates the perfect consistency in the final dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the half and half with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (cashew works particularly well), and substitute the pecorino with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

One Pot Chickpea Orzo Recipe

Name: One Pot Chickpea Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 cups orzo; 1/3 cup white wine (optional); 2 cups chicken stock; 2 cups half and half; 1 can chickpeas, half smashed; 3/4 cup grated pecorino cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

This One Pot Chickpea Orzo is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet sophisticated. Creamy, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines tender orzo pasta with protein-packed chickpeas in a velvety sauce that’s punctuated with savory pecorino cheese. The combination of textures – from the perfectly cooked pasta to the mix of whole and smashed chickpeas – creates a dish that feels much more labor-intensive than it actually is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Weeknight Miracle: From start to finish in 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Creamy Without Being Heavy: The combination of half and half with pecorino creates a luxurious texture that satisfies without weighing you down.
Customizable: Works beautifully as either a main dish or side, and you can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: The foundation of flavor, adding richness while sautéing the aromatics.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that gives the dish depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds essential punchy flavor – don’t skimp here!
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch adds warmth without overwhelming heat; adjust to your preference.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining a pleasant bite.
White wine: Adds acidity and complexity; use a dry variety you’d enjoy drinking.
Chicken stock: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the orzo; vegetable stock works well for a vegetarian version.
Half and half: Creates that irresistible creaminess without being as heavy as full cream.
Chickpeas: The star protein, with half smashed to thicken the sauce and half whole for textural contrast.
Pecorino cheese: Adds salty, savory depth and helps create a silky sauce; freshly grated is always best.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, remembering that pecorino adds saltiness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock for an entirely vegetarian meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Add Some Greens

Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach, kale, or arugula at the end of cooking for color and nutrients.

Mediterranean Twist

Add a cup of halved cherry tomatoes and some chopped olives during the last few minutes of cooking, then finish with fresh basil.

Protein Boost

Add cubed chicken breast or Italian sausage when sautéing the onions for a more substantial main dish.

How to Make One Pot Chickpea Orzo

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Preheat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add diced onions, minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the onions become translucent and the garlic starts to release its aroma and turn light golden.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Add orzo to the pan and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes. This toasting step is crucial – it adds a nutty depth to the final dish. Keep stirring until some pieces of orzo turn a light golden brown.

Step 3: Create the Cooking Liquid

Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it bubble away, reducing by half. This concentrates the flavor and removes the alcohol. Then add the chicken stock and half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing to low heat.

Step 4: Cook Until Al Dente

Let the orzo simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the orzo is nearly al dente (about 8-10 minutes), stir in both the smashed and whole chickpeas. The smashed chickpeas will thicken the sauce while the whole ones add texture.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the grated pecorino cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish up while hot, finishing with a crack of fresh black pepper and additional pecorino if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch Your Liquid Ratio: If the mixture seems too dry before the orzo is fully cooked, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Smash Chickpeas Properly: Use a fork to partially smash half the chickpeas – you want a mix of textures, not a complete purée.
Toast That Orzo: Don’t skip this step! Toasting the dry orzo adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.
Grate Cheese Fresh: Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Take the extra minute to grate your own.
Keep Stirring: Unlike regular pasta, orzo needs frequent stirring to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

How to Serve

This creamy orzo dish stands beautifully on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with:

As a Main Dish

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, bright contrast to the creamy orzo.

As a Side Dish

Pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or lamb chops.

Garnishes

Try a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or thyme), or toasted pine nuts for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so leftovers will be thicker than the original dish.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and pasta texture changes. Best enjoyed fresh or as refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. For a richer result, you might add an extra tablespoon of butter or an additional sprinkle of cheese at the end.
Is there a substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even pearl couscous can work as substitutes, though cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust your liquid and cooking time accordingly.
How do I properly smash chickpeas?

The easiest method is using a fork to gently crush them in a bowl before adding to the pot. Aim for a mix of textures – some completely smashed, some partially broken. This creates the perfect consistency in the final dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the half and half with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (cashew works particularly well), and substitute the pecorino with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chickpea Orzo recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture, satisfying combination of pasta and protein, and all cooked in a single pot, it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a cozy dinner solo with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight!