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Creamy Lemon Orzo with Chickpeas & Broccoli

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A vibrant, creamy one-pan vegan meal featuring orzo simmered with chickpeas, broccoli, and a silky lemon-cashew sauce. Comforting yet light, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup raw cashews, soaked and drained
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets
  • Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced (about ¼ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ lb (227 g) orzo pasta
  • 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable stock (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Blend soaked cashews, ⅓ cup water, and nutritional yeast until completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a braiser or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add broccoli in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until browning. Season with salt and pepper, toss, and transfer to a bowl.
  3. Wipe out the pot and heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add shallot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add orzo and stir to coat. Mix in chickpeas and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour in vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add more stock as needed for a creamy texture.
  7. When orzo is tender, stir in cashew cream and lemon juice. Return broccoli to the pot and gently simmer to combine.
  8. Adjust seasoning and stir in parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Boil cashews for 10–15 minutes if you forget to soak them.
  • Use frozen broccoli if needed—add directly to the pan and extend cook time slightly.
  • Sub shallots with white or yellow onion if preferred.
  • Stir orzo frequently and scrape the pan to avoid sticking.
  • Reheat with added stock or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/creamy-lemon-orzo-with-chickpeas-broccoli/