One-Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo

This one-pot creamy tomato orzo is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and requires minimal prep. It will become a family favourite and makes perfect leftovers for lunches! The dish can easily be made both gluten-free and oil-free.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil for frying (see notes for oil-free)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 jar tomato sauce (650mL)
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cup dry orzo (or gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp Italian spice blend
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (optional)
• Handful of cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil

Equipment

• Large pot

Instructions

1. Dice an onion then add to a large pot on medium heat with olive oil. Fry for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
2. Peel and mince the garlic cloves, then add to the pot with the onions and stir.
3. After a couple of minutes, add tomato sauce, water, orzo, spices, salt and white wine to the pot and stir everything together.
4. Cover and let cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the orzo has absorbed all of the liquid.
5. Optionally, you can stir in a bit of plant-based soft cheese for extra creaminess.
6. Cut a handful of cherry tomatoes in half.
7. Remove the creamy tomato orzo from heat, then serve with the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Notes

*The white wine is optional. If you prefer to omit, simply replace the white wine with another 1/3 cup of water.

*For an oil-free version, fry onions in vegetable stock or water.