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To make this dish, you need a few main ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients bring together a rich and creamy flavor. The orzo pasta gives a nice texture, while the tomatoes add a bright taste. The heavy cream makes the dish smooth and luscious. You can customize this dish to make it your own. Here are some optional ingredients: - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Red pepper flakes for heat - Mushrooms for umami flavor - Lemon zest for brightness Feel free to mix and match these extras based on what you like. Adding new flavors can make this dish even more exciting. If you run out of something, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. - Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Try other pasta shapes like rice or quinoa if you don't have orzo. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while adapting to what you have at home. To start, you need to boil water in a medium pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. Keep it close; you'll use it soon. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add a finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. You’ll smell the garlic, and it will add great flavor to the dish. Now, it’s time for the sauce! In the skillet, add a can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth as well. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This helps blend the flavors. Then, lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. The sauce should become creamy and warm. Now, season it with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This step makes the sauce even tastier. Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Mix well, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce. Then stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese should melt slightly into the dish. Taste it to see if you want more salt or pepper. Once everything is mixed, it’s ready to serve! To cook orzo well, use a large pot. Bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and stir. Cook until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside. Watch the time closely. Overcooking makes it mushy. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Pour it in after the broth and tomatoes. Stir often to mix well. This helps the sauce stay smooth. For extra creaminess, add more cheese. Grated Parmesan melts nicely into the dish. You can make this dish even better. Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano boost flavor too. Consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Sun-dried tomatoes or spinach add color and nutrients. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. Your vegan creamy tomato basil orzo will still taste great! Adding protein makes this dish heartier. You can grill or sauté chicken breast and mix it in. Shrimp works well too; just cook it until pink and toss it in. For a plant-based option, try cubed tofu. Sauté it until golden, then fold it into your orzo. Feel free to add seasonal veggies to enhance flavor and nutrition. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. You can also use zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch. Just sauté them with the onions. This way, you make the dish even more delicious and vibrant! To store leftover creamy tomato basil orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. When you reheat orzo, add a splash of water or broth. This helps bring back its creamy texture. Heat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. To freeze creamy tomato basil orzo, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of liquid as needed. It takes about 25 minutes to make Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick dish fits well into busy weeknights. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Small shapes like ditalini or mini shells work well. Just adjust cooking times based on package directions for the pasta you choose. Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo pairs nicely with many sides. You can serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Grilled veggies also make a great addition. To make Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. You can also swap with rice or quinoa for a different texture. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the orzo and sauce separately, then combine them before serving. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove. You now know how to make creamy tomato basil orzo using key ingredients and steps. Don’t forget about customizations, like adding protein or vegetables. Proper storage and reheating tips help keep leftovers tasty. This dish is easy to adapt for your tastes or dietary needs. You can impress your friends with this creamy delight. Enjoy cooking this simple yet delicious recipe!

Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo

Dive into a bowl of comfort with this creamy tomato basil orzo recipe that's bursting with flavor! Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines orzo pasta with rich tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy goodness for a delightful meal in just 25 minutes. Impress your family and friends with this easy recipe that serves four. Click through to explore how to make this delicious dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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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, with juices

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

          Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

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

              Add the cooked orzo pasta to the sauce and mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

                Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the dish.

                  Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an elegant touch.