One Pot Fall Vegetable Orzo and Chickpeas
This cozy One Pot Fall Vegetable Orzo and Chickpeas recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with seasonal veggies, chickpeas, and creamy Parmesan, it’s easy, hearty, and perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1 medium sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups butternut squash, cubed (½–1 inch pieces)
8 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
2 cups kale, chopped (or spinach)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2½ cups vegetable stock
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in butternut squash with another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
Add chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until they soften and release moisture.
Stir in kale and cook until wilted. Season with nutmeg and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Add dry orzo and chickpeas, stirring to combine evenly.
Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
If needed, simmer a few minutes longer until fully cooked. If too wet, uncover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Spinach can be substituted for kale and added during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
