Description
Silky creamy lemon ricotta orzo dances with crispy garlic-roasted chickpeas in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish. Bright citrus notes and herbal undertones create a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can chickpeas
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Herbs:
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to a robust 400°F (200°C), creating the perfect environment for roasting chickpeas.
- In a mixing bowl, tumble chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each legume is generously coated with aromatic seasonings.
- Distribute chickpeas across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, allowing maximum crispness during roasting. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, gently agitating the pan midway to guarantee even browning and crunchy texture.
- While chickpeas transform, initiate orzo cooking in a salted water bath, following package directions until tender and al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to the warm pot.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by incorporating ricotta, Parmesan, vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, minced garlic, and vegetable broth into the cooked orzo, whisking until a silky, creamy consistency emerges.
- Season the orzo mixture with additional salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Plate the creamy orzo in elegant serving bowls, generously crowning each portion with the crisp, golden-brown roasted chickpeas.
- Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, adding a pop of color and herbaceous freshness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Master roasting chickpeas by ensuring they’re completely dry before tossing with oil to guarantee maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brightening the ricotta’s richness and enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- Consider swapping ricotta with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that works perfectly for low-fat diets.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives instead of basil to create unique flavor variations that complement the creamy base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg