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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Large pot - Cooking utensils To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo, gather your ingredients. You need orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Each item brings its own flavor and texture to this dish. Using a large pot makes it easy to cook everything in one place. It saves time on cleanup too. You will need basic cooking utensils like a spoon for stirring and a knife for chopping. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. It helps the process go smoothly and quickly. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also quick to prepare, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy the bright flavors of tomatoes and basil as they come together in a creamy sauce with the orzo. First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to make the onion soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The garlic should smell strong and yummy. After that, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5 minutes. They will soften and let out their juices, adding great flavor. Now, it's time to add the orzo pasta. Pour it into the pot and mix it with the other ingredients. Then, add the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. The orzo should be al dente and soak up most of the liquid. After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. Then, add the chopped basil. This gives your dish a fresh taste. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the dish thicken up a bit before you serve it. - Adjust seasoning to taste Start with salt and pepper. Taste your dish as you cook. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. This will help you find the right balance of flavors. - Tips for al dente orzo Cook the orzo for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you want firmer pasta, check it a minute or two before the time is up. - Additional herbs and spices Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder for a deeper flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add a lovely twist too. - Optional toppings You can top your dish with more Parmesan cheese and some toasted pine nuts for crunch. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and flavor. Fresh basil leaves make for a beautiful garnish and boost freshness. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect version of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo! {{image_2}} You can switch to whole grain orzo for a healthier option. Whole grain orzo adds more fiber and nutrients. It has a nuttier flavor, which can enhance your dish. If you want to avoid heavy cream, try using Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds creaminess but has less fat. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Both options work well in this recipe. Adding protein makes this dish more filling. You can easily mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they warm up without overcooking. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and great texture. You can also use cubed tofu for a plant-based choice. Just make sure to stir them in with the cream for extra flavor. - Refrigeration guidelines: Let the creamy orzo cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing tips: For longer storage, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container. It stays fresh for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. - Best practices for reheating: Use a pot on low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. - Avoiding overcooking: Check the orzo as it heats. You want it warm, not mushy. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. Yes, you can swap orzo with other small pasta shapes. Here are some good options: - Acini di pepe - Ditalini - Small shells - Couscous These alternatives will still create a tasty dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may differ. This recipe is not gluten-free due to orzo. To make it gluten-free, try these modifications: - Use gluten-free orzo or rice pasta. - Check the vegetable broth for gluten-free labeling. Both options will keep your dish creamy and delicious without gluten. You can easily make this dish vegan with a few swaps: - Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. - Ensure vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. These changes will give you a rich, creamy flavor while keeping it plant-based. This post walked you through making a creamy orzo dish loaded with flavor. You need simple ingredients like orzo, cherry tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared tips on perfecting the recipe and even suggested variations to suit your taste. Keep these ideas in mind as you cook. Whether you want to modify it or store leftovers, you can create a dish you love. Enjoy your cooking journey!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo

Experience the delightful flavors of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a comforting dish packed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is simple to prepare and cleanup is a breeze! Click through to explore this irresistible recipe and share it with your loved ones for a cozy dinner experience.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

      Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

        Sprinkle in the orzo pasta, then pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

          Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

              Add the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

                Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until slightly thickened before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch.