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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 3 cups vegetable broth The main ingredients create the base of this dish. Orzo pasta gives it a nice texture. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic brings a lovely aroma. Diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Vegetable broth ties everything together. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving Dairy ingredients make this dish creamy and smooth. Heavy cream provides the richness. Oregano adds an earthy flavor. Red pepper flakes can spice things up. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Parmesan cheese gives it a nice salty kick. - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Fresh basil is a star in this dish. It adds brightness and freshness. The vibrant green color also makes the meal look appealing. You can use it as a garnish for extra flavor. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. 3. Be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell nice and fragrant. 4. Now, add 1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Stir well to mix with the garlic. 1. Next, pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. 2. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes. 3. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. 1. Reduce the heat to low and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. 3. Add salt and pepper to taste. 4. Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh chopped basil leaves. 5. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. 6. Mix until it becomes creamy and delicious. 7. Serve in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a nice touch. To get that perfect creamy feel in your orzo, use heavy cream. This makes the dish rich and smooth. When you stir in the cream, keep the heat low. This helps it blend well without boiling. To avoid overcooked orzo, watch the time closely. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pot often. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Test a piece to see if it's tender but still firm. You want that perfect bite! If you're looking for a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Both can give a creamy taste without the extra fat. For cheese, you can use a mix of nutritional yeast and a bit of olive oil. This keeps it vegan but still tasty. Don’t have fresh basil? Try using dried basil or Italian seasoning instead. They bring a similar flavor to the dish. Pair your creamy orzo with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well. You can also top the orzo with sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a nice touch, too. For a beautiful presentation, serve the orzo in shallow bowls. Add a few whole basil leaves on top for a fresh look. This makes your dish feel special and inviting. {{image_2}} You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. For a classic touch, try diced chicken. Sauté it with the garlic until golden. You can also add shrimp for a seafood twist. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you prefer vegetarian options, add chickpeas or white beans. They blend well with the creamy sauce and boost protein. Adding veggies is a great way to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Spinach works beautifully. Stir it in just before serving for a fresh touch. Bell peppers also add a nice crunch. You can use red, yellow, or green ones, depending on what you have. Try seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus in spring. They add color and taste to your dish. Spice up your orzo by adding different herbs or sauces. Fresh thyme or rosemary can bring a new twist. For heat, sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes. You can also mix in a bit of pesto for a rich flavor. If you enjoy a tangy kick, squeeze in some lemon juice. This brightens the dish and adds depth. To keep your creamy orzo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. The orzo stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to help bring back its creamy texture. You can freeze the creamy orzo if you have more than you can eat. Scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat on the stove, adding a little vegetable broth or cream for creaminess. Meal prep can save you time during busy days. Chop the garlic and basil in advance. You can also measure out your orzo and spices. For a larger batch, simply double the recipe. This way, you can enjoy creamy orzo for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just reheat and serve! You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini. These veggies add fiber and vitamins. You can also swap heavy cream for a lighter option like Greek yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy while cutting calories. Consider adding beans or lentils for protein. They make the meal heartier and more filling. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Just note that cooking times may change. Small pasta shapes, like shells or penne, work well. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy, just like the orzo. To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 cups of orzo and adjust the broth and cream. This will keep the flavors balanced. If you increase the amount, you may need a larger pot. Stir more often to prevent sticking. You can use chicken broth or beef broth if you prefer. These will add a different flavor but work well. If you want to keep it plant-based, use water with extra herbs or a bouillon cube. This gives a nice taste without broth. Orzo is usually made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free pasta instead. Many brands offer gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes. Check the package to ensure it fits your diet needs. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish. This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo. You learned about the main ingredients, like orzo, tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to achieve the perfect texture. You also discovered delicious variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients or flavors. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with friends and family for a delightful meal!

Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy one-pot tomato basil orzo that’s quick and easy to make! This delicious dish features tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory tomato and garlic base, combined with rich cream and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Click through to explore this creamy orzo recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot and stir well to combine with the garlic.

      Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

        Stir in the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

          Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

            Add salt and pepper to taste, and fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves.

              Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

                Serve your creamy orzo in bowls, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish.

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