Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo
Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Collection
I’ve recently fallen in love with how creamy and comforting this Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo dish is. The combination of tender orzo pasta with a luscious tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with flavor from the vegetables, making it not just satisfying but also nourishing. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
During my culinary journey, I experimented with several variations of tomato orzo, but this creamy incarnation truly stands out. The secret lies in letting the orzo absorb the flavors of the broth and ensuring the veggies are perfectly cooked but still vibrant. I remember cooking it for dinner guests and their delighted reactions made my day!
Another crucial tip is to stir in the cream at the end to maintain that luscious texture. I’ve found that fresh basil adds a beautiful aroma right before serving, elevating the overall experience. It’s a dish I consistently return to, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy tomato sauce that envelops every piece of orzo
- Packed with colorful vegetables for added nutrition
- Quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal
Technique Tips for Perfect Orzo
When cooking orzo, it's essential to have a large pot of salted water at a rolling boil. This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming sticky. Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks to avoid clumping. I recommend tasting it a minute before the package's suggested cooking time to achieve that ideal al dente texture—slightly firm in the center but tender enough to bite through.
Another key tip is to remember to drain the orzo well after cooking but do not rinse it. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauces cling better. If you're prepping ahead, consider drizzling a small amount of olive oil over the drained orzo to keep it from sticking together while you finish the rest of the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible! If you're not a fan of zucchini, feel free to substitute it with other vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, which can add a sweet burst of flavor. Chopped kale or diced carrots can also work well. The key is to choose vegetables that hold up during cooking, so they don't turn mushy in the creamy sauce.
For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or almond milk, though the latter will offer a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream for that rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo:
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a seamless cooking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to whip up your Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo:
Cook the Orzo
In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then, add the chopped bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
Make the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine and Finish
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo!
Enjoy this delicious dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Pro Tips
- For added protein, consider including cooked chicken or chickpeas. You can also substitute other vegetables based on what you have on hand!
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the orzo and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just combine everything and heat it gently on the stove when you're ready to serve. This keeping method helps the dish maintain its creamy texture and flavors without becoming overly thick or mushy.
If you want to enjoy leftovers, store any remaining orzo in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat it on low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore the creaminess and prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a side salad or crusty garlic bread. A light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich, creamy flavors beautifully. The peppery bite of arugula balances perfectly with the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
You can also transform this orzo into a delightful baked dish by transferring everything to a casserole dish after mixing in the cream, then topping it with breadcrumbs or shredded cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for around 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly for an entirely new experience with the same flavors.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply use coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
→ Can I use whole grain orzo instead?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook than regular orzo.
→ What else can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to mix in spinach, mushrooms, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo
I’ve recently fallen in love with how creamy and comforting this Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo dish is. The combination of tender orzo pasta with a luscious tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with flavor from the vegetables, making it not just satisfying but also nourishing. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Created by: Prudence Whitby
Recipe Type: Cozy Comfort Meals Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then, add the chopped bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Veggie Orzo!
Extra Tips
- For added protein, consider including cooked chicken or chickpeas. You can also substitute other vegetables based on what you have on hand!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 53g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g