Creamy Tomato Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 14.5 oz crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning blend)
(I use salt-free Mrs. Dash
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
plus exra for topping
- to tastefresh choped basil
Directions
- 1
In a large 3-4 quart pot, melt your butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic and sauté until tender and fragrant.
- 2
Add broth, milk, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir with a metal whisk to deglaze the garlic from the pan.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
Creamy Tomato Orzo
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Based on 29 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a deeply comforting, yet remarkably quick meal that delivers on flavor without the fuss? This Creamy Tomato Orzo recipe is your new weeknight hero, transforming simple pantry staples into a rich, satisfying dish you'll want to make again and again.
This recipe works wonders because it leverages the natural sweetness and depth of fire-roasted tomatoes, which build a robust base. The magic truly happens when rich cream cheese and savory Parmesan melt into the sauce, creating an undeniably velvety texture that coats every tender grain of orzo. It’s a complete meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings.
What you can expect is a bowl of pure comfort. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of bright, tangy tomato notes balanced by an incredible creaminess that feels indulgent. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the delicious liquids and becoming perfectly tender. You'll also appreciate the subtle aromatic lift from fresh basil and a hint of Italian seasoning, adding layers of savory complexity without being overpowering. It's a dish that feels hearty and satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to prepare.
Customization & Variations
This Creamy Tomato Orzo is wonderfully adaptable. For a richer flavor, you can swap the butter for olive oil or use half-and-half instead of milk. If fire-roasted tomatoes aren't available, regular crushed tomatoes will work, though you might miss a touch of smokiness. Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning blend to your preference, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. For a dairy-free version, you would need to experiment with plant-based milk, cream cheese alternatives, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Serve this creamy orzo hot, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or a crusty piece of bread for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sauce. It makes a fantastic main course for a cozy family dinner.