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–+ servings
Fall Vegetable Orzo and Chickpeas

Cozy Fall Vegetable Orzo and Chickpeas for Ultimate Comfort

This Fall Vegetable Orzo and Chickpeas is a comforting, one-pot vegetarian dish perfect for chilly nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: dinner
Cuisine: vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil as a substitute
  • 1 Sweet Onion can substitute with yellow onion or shallots
  • 2 Garlic cloves minced, fresh garlic is best
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash cubed, can substitute with pumpkin or sweet potato
  • 1 cup Mushrooms sliced, portobello or cremini are excellent
  • 2 cups Kale chopped, can substitute with spinach
For the Pasta and Protein
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta small pasta like acini di pepe can work too
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained, can substitute with white beans or lentils
For Liquid and Flavor
  • 4 cups Vegetable Stock low-sodium or homemade for richness
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg optional
For the Finishing Touch
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese or vegan alternative
  • 1 Fresh Parsley for garnishing

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Sauté 1 diced sweet onion and 2 minced garlic cloves with a pinch of salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  3. Incorporate 2 cups of cubed butternut squash and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
  5. Fold in 2 cups of chopped kale and a pinch of nutmeg, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Toss in 1 cup of dry orzo and 1 can of drained chickpeas, stirring well to combine.
  7. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil (about 3-4 minutes).
  8. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  9. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, adding more stock if desired for a looser consistency.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best texture, check orzo for doneness towards the end of cooking. Customize with seasonal vegetables for a unique touch.

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