Creamy Tomato Orzo
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
357 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Creamy Tomato Orzo
Description
Creamy Tomato Orzo starts with sautéing garlic in butter, infusing the base with its aroma. Vegetable broth, milk, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are added and brought to a gentle boil. Dry orzo pasta is then cooked uncovered, absorbing the flavorful liquid until al dente.
Once cooked, cream cheese and Parmesan are whisked in off the heat, thickening the sauce into a creamy texture that coats the pasta. The dish finishes with fresh chopped basil for a bright herbal lift and additional Parmesan if desired. The contrast between the creamy pasta and the tangy tomatoes creates a balanced and satisfying flavor.
This dish can be served on its own or as a side to protein or vegetables. It tastes fresh warm but also keeps well. Optional tomato garnishes add a cold, fresh contrast if preferred. The recipe invites seasoning adjustments according to taste, including extra herbs or a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 14.5 oz fire roasted crushed tomato
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning blend (I use salt-free Mrs. Dash)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta dry
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese plus exra for topping, freshly grated
- basil to taste, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- In a large 3-4 quart pot, melt your butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic and sauté until tender and fragrant.
- Add broth, milk, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir with a metal whisk to deglaze the garlic from the pan.
- Bring to a light boil and add your orzo. Reduce heat to medium-low (mine was at a 4) and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally with your whisk to prevent sticking.
- After 10 minutes the pasta should be al dente. If you'd like it more tender, feel free to simmer an additional 2-3 minutes.
- One the pasta is al-dente or your ideal tenderness, remove pot from heat. Sauce will be thin and thicken as it cools. Whisk in cream cheese and parmesan cheese. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Taste the pasta and season once more to taste. Feel free to add extra salt, pepper, Italian seasoning or even extras like crushe red pepper flakes for a little heat! Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additonal parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- Adding cold or raw tomato on top provides a refreshing contrast to the warm creamy pasta.
- Nutrition information is estimated and can be adjusted based on ingredient choices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 357 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 357kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 935mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 535mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 857IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 215mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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