Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups orzo (dry)
- 14 oz chickpeas (one can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed or dry)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cashew cream (or substitute with coconut milk or tofu cream)
- 2-3 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (juiced, as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Gather all your ingredients and a 9×5 casserole dish for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the casserole dish, add the dry orzo, drained chickpeas, diced red onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, paprika, vegetable broth, cashew cream, spinach, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cover and Bake Initially: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb the broth and soften.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, give the mixture a good stir to redistribute the ingredients, then return uncovered to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the orzo becomes tender and the dish achieves a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add brightness and a fresh note. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Orzo dish.
Notes
- This recipe is very versatile; you can swap cashew cream with coconut milk or tofu cream if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of spinach based on your preference for a milder or stronger green flavor.
- Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes adds extra richness, but dried can be used—just soak them slightly in warm water before adding.
- For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken or tofu on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian American
- Diet: Vegetarian
