Description
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo, featuring tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, making it a go-to favorite for those seeking a simple yet delicious 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. Sauté for 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. Mix in the Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the skins start to wrinkle and begin releasing their juices, gently mashing some of the tomatoes.
- 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.
- 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 a thicker sauce, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it thicken further.
Feel free to substitute orzo with any small pasta of your choice for a different texture.
Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
