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Creamy Marry Me Chickpea Orzo Bake Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole

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A creamy, comforting chickpea and orzo casserole with sun-dried tomatoes and a luscious sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (about 70g), preferably packed in oil
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (225g), small-curd
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml), low-sodium
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, about 50g) or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (about 10g)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring 4 cups (960 ml) of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until mostly smooth. Optionally, pulse in a food processor for a silkier texture.
  5. Add the cooked orzo, sautéed onion and garlic, chickpeas, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
  8. Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo in boiling water as it will finish cooking in the bake. Sauté onions and garlic slowly to bring out sweetness. Use small-curd cottage cheese for smooth texture or substitute with ricotta or plant-based cream. Cover with foil if top browns too fast. Stir gently before baking for even creaminess. For vegan version, substitute dairy with cashew cream and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea orzo bake, creamy casserole, sun-dried tomato casserole, vegetarian, easy dinner, comfort food, plant-based, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/creamy-marry-me-chickpea-orzo-bake-recipe-easy-sun-dried-tomato-casserole/