1 pan 6 Ingredient Cajun orzo chickpeas are a satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in 20 mins! Tender orzo goes so well with hearty chickpeas and lots of deep, Cajun spices.
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This is a super quick recipe to make on busy days. It’s almost a dump and done. Everything comes together in 1 skillet with just 6 ingredients for easy prep and cleanup.
Cajun orzo chickpeas only need five simple ingredients to make, not counting salt and water.
You can add in spinach or other vegetables, as you like. You can also add in extra spices, like oregano, thyme, and paprika, to boost the flavor even more.
Why You’ll Love Cajun Orzo Chickpeas
- quick and easy, 5-ingredient recipe
- one pan meal
- packed with amazing Cajun flavors!
- soy-free and nut-free with gluten-free option
More Vegan Cajun-Inspired Recipes
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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..
Servings: 4
Calories: 265kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (80 g) 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 (354.88 ml) water or broth or a mix of coconut milk and water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 15 ounce (425.24 g) cans of chickpeas drained, or use 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup (75 g) dry orzo
Optional Additions
- 1 cup (182 g) vegetables of choice or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your 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.
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Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another minute or two for flavors to meld and settle, then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.
Notes
Nutritional information doesn’t include optional ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Cajun Orzo Chickpeas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 265
Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g3%
Sodium 374mg16%
Potassium 424mg12%
Carbohydrates 48g16%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 560IU11%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 67mg7%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- onion – Use red or white onion for this recipe.
- ginger-garlic paste – You can use minced fresh ginger and garlic or just garlic instead, if you want.
- Cajun spice blend – You can buy it premade or make homemade Cajun spice blend with my recipe!
- ketchup – Adds richness and umami. You can substitute tomato paste.
- chickpeas – Use canned or cooked, drained chickpeas.
- orzo – Use regular or gluten-free orzo.
Tips
- You can stick to just the ingredient above, plus water and salt, or add veggies of your choice and more flavor with dried thyme, oregano, and paprika.
- For saucier Cajun orzo, add some coconut milk after the orzo finishes cooking but before letting the pan rest.
- Speaking of letting the pan rest! Don’t skip this step. It allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
How to Make Cajun Orzo Chickpeas
Heat two teaspoons of oil or some broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is translucent.
Then add in the ginger-garlic paste, the Cajun spices, and ketchup and mix really well for a few seconds.
Mix in the broth and salt, and bring to a boil, then mix the chickpeas and orzo.
Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for seven to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your pan. Check in at the seven or eight minute mark, mix well, close the lid and continue to cook, if needed.
If you want it saucier, you can add in another quarter cup of water or some coconut milk at this point.
Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another minute or two, then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is naturally soy-free and nut-free. Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.
Orzo is actually a rice-shaped pasta.
Yes sauté in 2-3 tbsp broth instead