Introduction
Marry Me Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the comforting elements of creamy orzo pasta with the rich flavors of chickpeas, garlic, and seasonal herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for a variety of optional add-ins and toppings.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 shallot, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup orzo
– 3 cups chicken broth
– A small bundle of fresh thyme
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
– 1/4 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, tomato bruschetta, Calabrian chiles, or similar
– 1–2 cups fresh spinach, torn into pieces
– Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and more thyme for topping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Aromatics and Chickpeas
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Then, add the drained chickpeas and tomato paste; continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture takes on a deeper red color.
Cook Orzo
Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, and the small bundle of fresh thyme into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through.
Finish Sauce
Once the orzo is cooked, remove the thyme sprigs from the skillet. Keep the heat on low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings, adding more cream if desired.
Add-Ins
Incorporate your choice of optional add-ins such as sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach is wilted and well mixed. Serve warm, topped with fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute chickpeas with other legumes like lentils or black beans for variations in flavor and texture.
Variation Tips
Consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp to make the dish heartier.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture appears dry.
Dietary Modifications
For a vegan option, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cook techniques
Aromatics Sautéing
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add shallots and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Chickpea Incorporation
Add drained chickpeas and tomato paste to the sautéed aromatics. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor and color of the paste.
Orzo Cooking
Add orzo, chicken broth, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a low simmer and cover, allowing the orzo to cook for 7-9 minutes until tender.
Finishing the Sauce
Remove the thyme sprigs and maintain low heat. Stir in heavy cream, simmering for 2-3 minutes to achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Add-Ins and Serving
Incorporate sun-dried or fresh tomatoes and spinach into the orzo mixture, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Serve with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese on top.
FAQ
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
You can try using other small pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add Calabrian chiles or red pepper flakes to increase the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep ingredients beforehand; however, it’s best to cook the orzo just before serving to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Orzo is a delightful dish that combines the creaminess of heavy cream, the heartiness of chickpeas, and the lovely flavors of garlic and thyme. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and easy to make, promising to impress anyone at your table.
Tomato Basil Orzo
Replace chickpeas with diced tomatoes and fresh basil. Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Spinach and Feta Orzo
Add crumbled feta cheese and replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Chorizo Orzo
Incorporate diced chorizo instead of chickpeas for a spicy kick, and serve with fresh cilantro.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Cool down the dish and mix in olives, cucumber, and feta for a refreshing cold salad.
Vegetable Orzo Medley
Enhance with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, sautéed before adding the orzo.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo
Stir in pan-seared shrimp tossed in garlic butter for a luxurious seafood variant.
Orzo with Roasted Red Pepper
Blend in roasted red pepper puree along with the cream for a smoky flavor profile.
