Description

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo brings irresistible flavor and easy preparation together. With cherry tomatoes, vegan cream cheese, and fresh spinach, it’s perfect for quick dinners and cozy meals.

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

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Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and a generous 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. Be careful not to burn it!
Add the tomato paste and mix well. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the skins start to wrinkle and juice begins to release. Gently mash some tomatoes while stirring.
Add the orzo and stir to coat it with the tomato mixture. Let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook until absorbed, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegan chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most broth is absorbed.
Stir in the vegan cream cheese until completely melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
Add chopped spinach and vegan parmesan, then stir to combine.
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and basil, and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider substituting vegetable broth with homemade broth.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 400
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg