Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas | Easy Dinner Recipe

Looking for a cozy, flavorful, and quick vegetarian dinner?
This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas is the ultimate 30-minute one-pot recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Creamy ricotta cheese meets zesty lemon in a rich yet refreshing sauce, hugging tender orzo pasta and hearty chickpeas.
Whether you’re craving healthy comfort food, need an easy meal prep idea, or simply want a light yet satisfying dinner, this creamy orzo delivers!

From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this versatile dish fits every occasion.
And the best part? It’s easy, customizable, protein-packed, and tastes absolutely luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

One pot = minimal cleanup – perfect for busy weeknights.
Ready in under 30 minutes – fast and satisfying!
Vegetarian and protein-rich – thanks to hearty chickpeas and ricotta.
Creamy yet fresh – balanced with bright lemon and herbs.
Customizable – add greens, roasted veggies, or grilled chicken.
Great for meal prep – reheats beautifully!

Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Stir in fresh basil, spinach, or roasted red peppers!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta (or gluten-free orzo for GF option)
• 2½ cups vegetable broth (or salted water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (or substitute part-skim)
• ½ lemon, zested and juiced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

• Handful of fresh spinach
• Grated zucchini
• Roasted cherry tomatoes

How to Make Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

• In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
• Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (about 7–8 minutes).
• Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking liquid before draining the orzo.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chickpeas

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the chickpeas and cook for 3–4 minutes, lightly mashing some chickpeas to create a creamy texture.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Ricotta Sauce

• Lower the heat to low.
• Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan to the skillet.
• Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

• Add the cooked orzo and reserved pasta water.
• Toss to coat everything evenly in the luscious sauce.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve hot and savor every creamy, zesty forkful!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same brightness.
• Save your pasta water! – It helps the sauce cling perfectly.
• Don’t overcook orzo – It continues to soften once mixed into the sauce.
• Boost the nutrition – Stir in baby spinach or steamed broccoli for extra greens.
• Love it even creamier? – Add an extra scoop of ricotta or a splash of cream.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

Wondering what to pair with this cozy lemon ricotta pasta?

Side Suggestions:

• Crusty sourdough bread
• Roasted asparagus
• Simple arugula salad with vinaigrette

Drink Pairings:

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling water with a lemon twist

Add-ons for more flavor:

• Roasted garlic cloves
• Toasted pine nuts
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Love creamy pasta dishes? Try our 7 Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipes – Easy Dinner Ideas or American Chop Suey Recipe!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbs: 47g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 550mg

This healthy creamy orzo recipe is high in fiber, protein, and satisfaction!

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze for up to 1 month — note that ricotta may alter texture slightly when thawed.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Add a splash of broth and microwave gently.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding extra broth as needed.

FAQs – Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas

Can I make lemon ricotta orzo ahead of time?
Yes! This orzo stores well and can be reheated with a splash of broth.

Can I replace ricotta cheese?
Yes — substitute with Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or cream cheese for different textures.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo to easily make this recipe gluten-free!

Can I add meat to this vegetarian orzo?
Sure! Grilled chicken or shrimp pair beautifully.

What vegetables go well with lemon ricotta orzo?
Spinach, roasted asparagus, zucchini, or even green peas are excellent add-ins!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet – Easy Recipe
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe – Cozy, Healthy, and Delicious
• Honey Pineapple Chicken Recipe – Easy Dinner Idea

Conclusion

There you have it — a simple, satisfying, and flavor-packed recipe for Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas that fits your busy life and cravings for cozy, wholesome food.

What’s your favorite way to customize creamy orzo recipes? Let us know in the comments!
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Now you know exactly how to make the best creamy lemon ricotta orzo with chickpeas at home — in just 30 minutes!

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