15-Minute Lemon-Garlic Chickpea Risoni (Print Version)

Lemon-garlic risoni with chickpeas and spinach, ready in 15 minutes for a nourishing Mediterranean-style meal.

# Components:

→ Pasta and Legumes

01 - 250 grams (1 1/4 cups) risoni (orzo pasta)
02 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 150 grams (5 oz) baby spinach, washed
04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Pantry and Flavor

07 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 30 grams (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)
11 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Cook risoni in a large saucepan of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - While the risoni cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and chili flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add the drained risoni to the skillet, followed by the baby spinach. Toss until the spinach wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes.
06 - Pour in the lemon zest and juice. If the mixture seems too dry, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
07 - Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese until it begins to melt.
08 - Divide the dish among bowls. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have
  • Perfect balance of protein, carbs and greens
  • Vegetarian friendly with easy vegan adaptation
  • Bright lemony flavor that feels restaurant-worthy
02 -
  • Complete protein when paired with the parmesan cheese
  • Each serving provides nearly one third of your daily fiber needs
  • Perfect for meal prep as it reheats beautifully
03 -
  • For maximum lemon flavor zest the lemon directly over the hot pasta so the essential oils release into the dish. Always zest before juicing to make the process easier.

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