Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo features a rich blend of flavors, from garlic and shallots to cherry tomatoes and creamy vegan cheese, creating a delightful quick meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large or 2 small shallots, diced
- pinch of salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- 6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups (10 ounces) orzo
- ½ cup white wine
- 3¾ cups vegan chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- â…“–½ cup plain vegan cream cheese, softened
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated vegan parmesan
- fresh parsley, chopped
- fresh basil, chopped
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
- Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning and mix through.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the skins start to wrinkle and begin releasing their juices. Gently mash some of the tomatoes as you stir.
- Add the orzo to the pot and stir well to coat it with the tomato mixture. Let the orzo sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook until it’s completely absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegan chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. The mixture should be creamy and saucy, not soupy.
- Stir in the vegan cream cheese and mix until it’s completely melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add the chopped spinach and vegan parmesan and stir.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and basil, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the orzo sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring in the wine.
You can substitute regular pasta for orzo if desired, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg