Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo delivers irresistible flavors with a simple prep featuring fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and silky vegan cream cheese. Ideal for a quick dinner or cozy meal.
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 pinch of salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and stir, cooking for about 3 minutes until it darkens and becomes fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning and mix well.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Gently mash some tomatoes.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat with the tomato mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom, and let it cook until absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegan chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until orzo is tender and broth absorbed.
- Stir in the vegan cream cheese until melted, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the chopped spinach and vegan parmesan, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and basil, and season to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
This dish can be served as a main or a side, paired nicely with a fresh salad.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg