Description

Marry Me Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender orzo simmered with aromatic spices, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, and fresh spinach, finished with rich double cream and sharp Pecorino cheese. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously hearty vegetarian meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
100 g sun-dried tomatoes, minced
100 g fresh spinach, chopped
6-8 fresh basil leaves

Spices and Seasonings

1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
0.5 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Dry Ingredients

1.5 cups dried orzo

Protein and Dairy

570 g jarred chickpeas (chickpeas plus stock)
120 ml double cream
30 g hard cheese (Pecorino or Parmesan, grated)

Liquids

400 ml vegetable stock

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Instructions

Saute Onion: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook the mixture for about one minute, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors without burning the garlic.
Simmer Orzo and Chickpeas: Add the dried orzo, the jarred chickpeas including their stock (or if using canned chickpeas, supplement with an additional 200ml water or vegetable stock), and 400 ml vegetable stock. Stir well, cover with a lid, and let simmer gently for 10 minutes so the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid.
Add Spinach and Cream: Remove the lid and incorporate the chopped spinach, minced sun-dried tomatoes, double cream, and grated hard cheese into the orzo mixture. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy. Check that the orzo is fully cooked; if necessary, add a bit more water or vegetable stock to loosen the texture.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle extra grated hard cheese, fresh basil leaves, and chili flakes if using over the top. Serve warm, garnished to taste, for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute canned chickpeas if jarred chickpeas are unavailable; just add extra liquid accordingly.
Adjust the amount of cayenne and chili flakes for desired spiciness.
Use Pecorino for a sharper flavor or Parmesan for a milder, nutty finish.
For a lighter version, reduce the double cream or substitute with a plant-based cream alternative.
If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before fully cooking, add extra vegetable stock or water in small increments.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian