1-Pan Cajun Orzo Chickpeas

Name: Cajun Orzo Chickpeas (6 ingredients, 1 pot)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: cajun
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or use minced ginger and garlic or just garlic, if you don’t like ginger); 2 teaspoons Cajun spice blend; 2 tablespoons ketchup (or 1 tablespoon tomato paste); 1 1/2 cup water (or broth or a mix of coconut milk and water); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 15 ounce cans of chickpeas (drained, or use 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas); 1/2 cup dry orzo; 1 cup vegetables of choice (or 1/2 cup of frozen spinach); 1 teaspoon of thyme; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika

1 pan 6 Ingredient Cajun orzo chickpeas are a satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in 20 mins! Tender orzo goes so well with hearty chickpeas and lots of deep, Cajun spices.

This is a super quick recipe to make on busy days. It’s almost a dump and done. Everything comes together in 1 skillet with just 6 ingredients for easy prep and cleanup.

Cajun orzo chickpeas only need five simple ingredients to make, not counting salt and water.

You can add in spinach or other vegetables, as you like. You can also add in extra spices, like oregano, thyme, and paprika, to boost the flavor even more.

bowl of vegan cajun orzo next to the pan

Why You’ll Love Cajun Orzo Chickpeas

quick and easy, 5-ingredient recipe
one pan meal
packed with amazing Cajun flavors!
soy-free and nut-free with gluten-free option

More Vegan Cajun-Inspired Recipes

orzo, chickpeas, cajun spices, tomato paste, and garlic in cups on a kitchen counter

Ingredients and Substitutions

onion – Use red or white onion for this recipe.
ginger-garlic paste – You can use minced fresh ginger and garlic or just garlic instead, if you want.
Cajun spice blend – You can buy it premade or make homemade Cajun spice blend with my recipe!
ketchup – Adds richness and umami. You can substitute tomato paste.
chickpeas – Use canned or cooked, drained chickpeas.
orzo – Use regular or gluten-free orzo.

Tips

You can stick to just the ingredient above, plus water and salt, or add veggies of your choice and more flavor with dried thyme, oregano, and paprika.
For saucier Cajun orzo, add some coconut milk after the orzo finishes cooking but before letting the pan rest.
Speaking of letting the pan rest! Don’t skip this step. It allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

How to Make Cajun Orzo Chickpeas

Heat two teaspoons of oil or some broth in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and a good pinch of salt, and cook until the onion is translucent.

Then add in the ginger-garlic paste, the Cajun spices, and ketchup and mix really well for a few seconds.

adding ketchup and ginger-garlic paste to the cooked onion in the pan

adding cajun spices to the cooked onion mixture

Mix in the broth and salt, and bring to a boil, then mix the chickpeas and orzo.

Cover with the lid, and and continue to cook for seven to 10 minutes, depending on your stove and your pan. Check in at the seven or eight minute mark, mix well, close the lid and continue to cook, if needed.

If you want it saucier, you can add in another quarter cup of water or some coconut milk at this point.

cajun orzo chickpeas in the pan after cooking

Once done, let the cajun orzo sit, covered, for another minute or two, then mix well and transfer to your serving bowls. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and some lime juice and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this recipe allergy friendly?

This recipe is naturally soy-free and nut-free. Use gluten-free orzo for a gluten-free option.

Is orzo rice or pasta?

Orzo is actually a rice-shaped pasta.

Can I make this without oil?

Yes sauté in 2-3 tbsp broth instead