Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a velvety tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by fragrant garlic and fresh basil. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a rich side, it’s a weeknight winner ready in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
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Comforting & creamy – With rich tomato, basil, and Parmesan
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Versatile – Serve as a main or side, and easily make it vegan
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One-pot friendly – Less cleanup, more flavor
Ingredients
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Boil orzo: In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente per package directions.
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Sauté aromatics: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Make sauce: Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until combined.
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Combine: Add cooked orzo and fresh basil. Stir to coat evenly.
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Season & serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies
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Use gluten-free orzo if needed
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Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Storage/Reheating
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
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Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly.
How do I make this vegan?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan, or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though the result will be less rich—try half-and-half or a bit of cream cheese for balance.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is not, but gluten-free versions are available.
What pairs well with this dish?
Try a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo is your go-to recipe for an easy, satisfying, and versatile meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy big flavor in minimal time. Whether served solo or alongside your favorite main, this dish is sure to impress.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo: A Delicious Meal Idea!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo is a comforting, one-pot vegetarian dish bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner or meatless meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that can be served on its own or as a side.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
Add the cooked orzo to the tomato mixture and stir well.
Fold in the chopped fresh basil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Add-ins like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make great nutritious additions.
This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
