Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish This dish is simple yet full of flavor. You will love how the orzo pasta cooks in the broth and tomato sauce. The creamy texture from the heavy cream makes it rich and satisfying. The fresh basil adds a bright taste that pairs well with the tomatoes. If you want to change things up, there are good options. You can use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free meal. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, just chop about two cups. Each serving has about 320 calories. You get around 12g of protein and 15g of fat, mostly from the cream and olive oil. The dish also has about 40g of carbs, making it a hearty meal. Plus, it includes vitamins from the basil and tomatoes, adding some health benefits. This dish is not just tasty; it also packs some nutrition. 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it until soft, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells good. 4. Add the orzo pasta to the pan. Stir well to coat it in the oil. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring often. 5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. 6. When it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo cooks and most of the liquid is gone. 7. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sautéing helps build flavor in your dish. Always keep the heat moderate so the onions cook evenly. Stir often to prevent burning. When simmering, keep the lid on. This traps steam and helps the orzo cook well. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. To serve, ladle the creamy orzo into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve warm for the best taste. This dish looks great and tastes even better! Many cooks struggle with overcooking the orzo. This creates a mushy texture. To avoid this, check the orzo a minute early. You want it al dente, not soft. Also, don't skip the sautéing step. This helps build flavor. If you forget to toast the orzo, it will lack that nice, nutty taste. Want to kick up the flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds a sweet and tangy note. Fresh herbs work wonders, too. Try adding parsley or thyme alongside the basil. You can even toss in a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. You need a large saucepan for this dish. A good wooden spoon makes stirring easier. I also recommend a sharp knife for chopping. It saves time and effort. Lastly, use a measuring cup for the orzo. This ensures you get the right amount. These tools will make your cooking smoother and more enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy tomato basil orzo even more exciting. Try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Mushrooms can add a nice earthy flavor too. For a twist, consider adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes. These add-ins will give your dish a new flavor profile. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap out orzo for gluten-free pasta. Quinoa or rice can also work well. To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just make sure to check all labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs. These adjustments keep the dish tasty while fitting your lifestyle. This orzo dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad can balance the creaminess. You might also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. Roasted vegetables are another great choice to add some crunch. For a lighter option, try a fresh tomato salad. Each of these sides complements the flavors of the creamy tomato basil orzo beautifully. Store your creamy tomato basil orzo in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This helps keep the dish fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth for creaminess. Creamy tomato basil orzo stays fresh for about three days in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, it can last for three months. After this time, the flavors may fade, and the texture may change. For the best taste, enjoy it within these time frames. Yes, you can. While orzo gives a nice texture, other pastas work well too. You can use: - Arborio rice for a risotto-style dish. - Ditalini for a bite-sized option. - Couscous for a fun twist. Each type will change the dish slightly, but they will still taste great! To make this meal vegetarian, just use vegetable broth. Here are some tips: - Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian alternative. - Add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms. - Use plant-based cream for richness. These swaps keep the dish yummy and meat-free! If you need a substitute for heavy cream, here are some good options: - Coconut milk for a rich and creamy flavor. - Cashew cream for a nutty taste. - Silken tofu blended until smooth for a dairy-free option. These alternatives keep your dish creamy and delicious! This blog post covered ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips for your dish. I shared substitutions and nutritional info to help you make smart choices. You learned key tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor. Finally, we discussed how to store and serve your meal. In closing, use these insights to create a dish that delights your taste buds. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo with this easy recipe! Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish combines orzo pasta, fresh basil, and creamy goodness in just 25 minutes. Whether you're feeding the family or hosting friends, this meal is sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight! #CreamyTomatoBasilOrzo #EasyRecipes #PastaLovers #CookingInspiration

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the pasta in the oil and mixer. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a fresh touch.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4