Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas is a quick, spicy one-pan meal that comes together in about 20 minutes.

introduction — Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas mixes warm spices and tender orzo for a filling vegetarian dish.
This dish is easy for weeknights and travels well for packed lunches.
For another orzo idea that stays simple and tasty, see orzo with clams and zucchini for a different flavor direction.

why make this recipe — Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas is fast, cheap, and full of flavor.
It uses pantry staples like orzo and canned chickpeas and needs one pan.
You get protein from chickpeas and a bold kick from Cajun seasoning.

how to make Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Follow simple steps and stir while it cooks for best texture.
Use a wide skillet so the orzo cooks evenly and the vegetables soften well.
If you want ideas for sides, check out these side meal recipes to offer with frittatas to round the plate.

Ingredients : Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions : Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add orzo, chickpeas, and Cajun seasoning, stir to coat.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Serve Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas hot, straight from the skillet.
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for more color and texture.
If you want a simple sweet finish, try a light muffin like the chai spiced carrot muffins with oat streusel for dessert.

how to store Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Cool the orzo to room temperature before storing.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

tips to make Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
• Toast the orzo a minute in the pan for a nuttier taste.
• Stir once or twice while simmering to prevent sticking.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for milder or hotter heat.

variation (if any) — Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

• Add chopped spinach or kale at the end for color and vitamins.
• Swap chickpeas for white beans or cooked shrimp for a non-vegetarian option.
• Use brown rice orzo if you prefer whole grains; cooking time may vary.

FAQs — Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta; cook time may change slightly.

Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the orzo.

Q: Where can I buy Cajun seasoning or other tools for this recipe?
A: You can buy Cajun seasoning online — Buy it here.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped fresh jalapeño while sautéing.

Q: Is this dish high in protein?
A: It has moderate protein from chickpeas; add feta or cooked chicken for more protein if desired.

Cajun Spiced Orzo with Chickpeas

A quick, spicy one-pan meal that combines warm spices and tender orzo with chickpeas for a filling vegetarian dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Protein

• 1 cup orzo pasta Can use brown rice orzo for whole grains
• 1 can chickpeas Drained and rinsed; can substitute with white beans or cooked shrimp

Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
• 1 bell pepper diced Any color bell pepper works
• 1 medium onion Diced
• 2 cloves garlic Minced

Seasoning and Liquid

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for spice level
• 2 cups vegetable broth Use low-sodium for less salt
• Salt and pepper To taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Cooking

• Add orzo, chickpeas, and Cajun seasoning, stir to coat.
• Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Cool the orzo to room temperature before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth. You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo.

Keyword Cajun Spiced Orzo, Chickpeas, One-Pan Meal, Quick Dinner, Vegetarian Dish