Can I make lemon ricotta orzo ahead of time?

Yes! Creamy lemon ricotta orzo with chickpeas stores well and can be reheated easily with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I replace ricotta cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.

The traditional recipe uses regular orzo, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo pasta.

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta pair wonderfully with creamy lemon ricotta orzo for added protein.

Fresh spinach, roasted asparagus, green peas, or sautéed zucchini are excellent additions to this creamy lemon ricotta orzo.

A cozy, creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas made in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, satisfying, and healthy vegetarian meal.

Scale

Bring a pot of salted vegetable broth or water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of cooking liquid and drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add chickpeas and cook for 3–4 minutes, gently mashing some for a creamy texture.
Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked orzo and reserved liquid, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce.
Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas, Lemon Ricotta Orzo, One-Pot Orzo Recipe, Healthy Vegetarian Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipes

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-ricotta-orzo-with-chickpeas/