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Creamy Tomato Orzo Recipe | Easy Recipe Journey

Photo by Lina Bentanch on Unsplash

ItalianMainVegetarian

Creamy Tomato Orzo

Name: Creamy Tomato Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped, or 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed; Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

Tender orzo simmered in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with Parmesan and a touch of cream. A fast, comforting Italian-inspired dish that works as a main or a hearty side.

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

30 minutes

Serves

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Ingredients

Units

Instructions

1
Cook the orzo. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until al dente, usually 7 to 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2
Build the tomato base. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 4 to 5 minutes until soft. If using garlic instead, cook it for about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3
Simmer the sauce. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the drained orzo and toss until evenly coated.
5
Finish. Stir in the Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and loose enough to coat the orzo.
6
Serve. Spoon into warm bowls and finish with basil or parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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