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For this creamy tomato basil orzo, you need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese To enhance the flavor of your dish, consider adding: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh lemon juice for brightness - Chopped spinach or kale for extra greens - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein If you need substitutions, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. - Use low-sodium vegetable broth for less salt. - Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. These choices help you adapt the recipe to your needs while keeping it tasty! To cook the orzo pasta, start with a medium saucepan. Fill it with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo. Cook the pasta per the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo well and set it aside. This step ensures that the pasta stays firm and does not become mushy in the final dish. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir frequently for about one minute until the garlic smells nice but doesn’t burn. Now, pour in a can of diced tomatoes (14 oz) along with the juices. Then, add 1 cup of vegetable broth and stir well. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step helps to blend the flavors beautifully. After that, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and warm, but do not let it boil. Season it with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. With the sauce ready, it’s time to combine everything. Carefully add the cooked orzo pasta to the creamy sauce. Stir it in well to coat each piece of pasta evenly. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a rich taste. Now, remove the skillet from heat and taste your dish. You may want to adjust the seasoning based on your taste. This final step allows you to personalize your creamy tomato basil orzo, making it just right for you. To get the best creamy texture in your orzo dish, follow these tips: - Use heavy cream. It gives a rich and smooth feel. - Stir the cream in slowly. This helps blend it well without clumping. - Cook on low heat. High heat can break down the cream and make it less creamy. - Add a little pasta water. If the sauce thickens too much, use some of the water you cooked the orzo in. This keeps the dish velvety and smooth. For a more exciting flavor, consider these suggestions: - Add more herbs. Fresh oregano or thyme works great with the basil. - Try a splash of balsamic vinegar. It adds a nice tang. - Use crushed red pepper flakes. This gives a hint of spice. - Experiment with cheese. Besides Parmesan, try adding mozzarella or goat cheese for a twist. These simple changes can elevate your creamy tomato basil orzo. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you’ll need: - A medium saucepan for cooking orzo. - A large skillet for the sauce. - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. - A measuring cup for liquids. - A sharp knife for chopping onions and garlic. With these tools, you will prepare your creamy tomato basil orzo with ease. {{image_4}} You can easily make creamy tomato basil orzo vegetarian. The base is already plant-friendly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra veggies, add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These options bring color and nutrition. You can also toss in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Adding protein can make this dish even heartier. Grilled chicken or shrimp pair well with the creamy sauce. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it in before serving. For chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. For shrimp, peel and devein them first. Both options cook quickly and add a wonderful taste. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available that work well. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary. You can also use rice instead of orzo for a different texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish! To store leftover creamy tomato basil orzo, let it cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the orzo in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently until it’s warm and creamy again. You can also use a microwave. Put the orzo in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your creamy tomato basil orzo, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen orzo can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can make Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo ahead of time. Prepare the dish fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for every cup of fresh. Dried herbs pack a punch, so be careful not to add too much. While fresh basil tastes bright and vibrant, dried basil will still add great flavor. Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. - A simple green salad with vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - Roasted vegetables for added nutrition. These options balance the rich flavors of the orzo and make for a complete meal. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo. We explored the key ingredients, making a creamy sauce, and combining flavors. You learned tips for texture and flavor, along with cooking variations and storage methods. This dish is easy to customize and perfect for anyone. With simple steps and tasty options, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite of your delicious creation.

Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo

Discover the delightful flavors of Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo, a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any meal! This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. In just 25 minutes, you can serve a comforting bowl that's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with a delicious twist on pasta!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a medium saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

    In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.

      Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet and continue cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant.

        Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and then add in the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine, allowing it to simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, which will blend the flavors.

          Reduce the heat to low, then gradually pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and is heated through without boiling.

            Season the sauce generously with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to your taste preference.

              Carefully add the cooked orzo pasta to the creamy sauce, stirring it in until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

                Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the warm mixture for added richness.

                  Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish, adjusting seasoning as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For an attractive serving, dish the creamy orzo into shallow bowls. Garnish each bowl with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top to create an inviting and elegant presentation.