Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo features delightful flavors with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy vegan cheese, and sturdy orzo. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy meal, it’s both delicious and effortless to prepare!
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)
- ⅓–½ 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, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomato paste, stirring to combine, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes until the skins wrinkle and juices are released, mashing some tomatoes as you stir.
- Add the orzo, stirring well to coat with the tomato mixture, and let sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits, and cook until absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegan chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most broth is absorbed.
- Stir in the vegan cream cheese until melted to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Add the chopped spinach and vegan parmesan, mixing well.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and basil, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Feel free to substitute the vegan cream cheese with any other creamy alternative you prefer.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg