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One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt

By Carolyn Stilwell

5 from 1 vote

Updated Jan 28, 2025, Published on Oct 14, 2023

Here's my newest recipe - One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt – a dish that's bursting with smoky flavors and creamy textures, all cooked to perfection in a single pan. If you're a fan of orzo or just looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this recipe is for you!

If you're here then you may have discovered me from my Orzo Series in February 2022 or February 2023! Well I'm back with another orzo recipe that ALSO happens to be a pot recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil additional to serve (optional)
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 cup Orzo uncooked
• 2 tbsp Harissa Paste more or less based on spice preference
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Ras el Hanout
• 1 can Harissa Lemon Chickpeas I used a can of chickpeas from Heyday Canning; see note 1
• 2 to 3 cups Water additional as needed; see note 2
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Lime divided; zest and juice
• 2 cups Spinach
• Fresh Parsley and/or Cilantro roughly chopped to serve

Lime Yogurt Topping

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 Lime juice and zest
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Olive Oil

One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt Instructions

The Heart of the Dish:

In a hot sauté pan, I start by sautéing minced garlic in a splash of olive oil. Then, in goes the uncooked orzo, allowing it to toast a bit. The magic happens when the harissa paste, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ras el hanout join the party. These ingredients create a vibrant, spicy, and smokey flavoring that coats the orzo beautifully.

The Chickpea Twist:

Adding protein, I incorporate a can of Harissa Lemon Chickpeas. I opted for a can from Heyday Canning, using both the chickpeas and their flavorful liquid. If you're using regular chickpeas, don't worry – just adjust the seasonings to taste. To ensure the orzo cooks to perfection, I gradually add chicken broth and/or water, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed all the fantastic flavors.

The Finishing Touch:

A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick, and a handful of fresh spinach wilts into the dish, providing a burst of color and nutrients. To elevate the flavors even further, I topped each bowl with fresh parsley and cilantro, along with a sprinkle of lime zest, and an extra squeeze of lime juice. Don't forget to add a generous dollop of lime yogurt. This creamy concoction, made by mixing Greek yogurt with lime juice, zest, a hint of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, adds a cooling contrast to the spicy orzo.

Did you try this One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt? Leave a Review!

Besides the incredible flavors, what makes this dish truly fantastic is its simplicity. It all comes together in one pan, minimizing the cleanup. This One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt is a great go-to for a satisfying, spicy, and flavorful dinner.

If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!

5 from 1 vote

One Pan Harissa Orzo with Chickpeas and Yogurt

By: Carolyn Stilwell

This is a smoky and savory one pan orzo recipe with a big dollop of limey yogurt.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 3

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Equipment

• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Sauté Pan
• Microplane Grater

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, additional to serve (optional)
• ▢ 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 cup Orzo Pasta, uncooked
• ▢ 2 tablespoon Harissa Paste, more or less based on spice preference
• ▢ 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout
• ▢ 1 can Harissa Lemon Chickpeas, I used a can of chickpeas from Heyday Canning; see note 1
• ▢ 2 to 3 cups Water, additional as needed; see note 2
• ▢ Kosher Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
• ▢ 1 Lime, divided; zest and juice
• ▢ 2 cups Baby Spinach
• ▢ Fresh Parsley and/or Cilantro, roughly chopped to serve

Lime Yogurt Topping

• ▢ 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• ▢ 1 Lime, juice and zest
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Instructions 

• Heat olive oil in a large high-rimmed saute pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Add the uncooked orzo and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Mix in the harissa paste, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ras el hanout. Cook for 3 minutes.
• Pour in the can of harissa lemon chickpeas and about 2 cups of chicken broth and/or water. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally so the ingredients don't stick. Add additional splashes of water as needed if the liquid absorbs before the orzo is cooked through. This may take around 15 minutes.
• Once the orzo is cooked, squeeze in the juice of half a lime and mix in the spinach. The spinach should wilt quickly.
• Divide among bowls to serve. Top with fresh parsley and/or cilantro, lime zest, and additional lime juice as desired. Finally spoon on a big dollop of the lime yogurt. Optionally drizzle with olive oil.

Lime Yogurt

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients together well. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.

Video

@carolbeecooks

I know a lot of of you follow me to stay on orzo tok and I just cooked up some more orzo this week 🤩 #orzo #onepanmeal

♬ original sound - xxtristanxo

Notes

Note 1: I used a can of Heyday Harissa Lemon Chickpeas. I used the whole can and didn't drain or rinse the liquid. You can use a can of regular chickpeas, but you may want to include extra seasonings to taste.

Note 2: I used about 1 cup of chicken broth and the rest water. Start with about 2 cups and add additional liquid as needed while cooking if it's absorbing too quickly before the orzo is cooked through.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal, Carbohydrates: 72g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 891mg, Potassium: 663mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 2371IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 215mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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