This One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is pure comfort in a bowl! Toasted orzo simmers in white wine and vegan chicken broth with cherry tomatoes, then is finished with vegan cream cheese, parmesan, and fresh spinach. Rich, creamy, and ready in just 40 minutes, all in one pot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oil: Any neutral cooking oil works.
- Shallots: Sweeter and more delicate than onions, but if you can’t find shallots, use ½ of a medium yellow or sweet onion.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for the recipe base.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth without making the dish spicy. Adjust or omit to taste.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness. Cook it for a few minutes to remove the metallic taste and caramelize the sugars.
- Cherry tomatoes: As they cook, they burst, releasing their sweet, juicy flavor into the sauce.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta absorbs liquid well and gets creamy as it cooks.
- White wine: Adds acidity and depth. Use a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. See FAQs for substitutions. Also, to ensure your wine is vegan-friendly, we recommend using Barnivore to check.
- Vegan chicken broth: Our preference for the best savory flavor, but vegetable broth works perfectly, too.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs (typically basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) that adds instant flavor with minimal effort.
- Vegan cream cheese: This adds creaminess to the sauce. Brands like Violife or Tofutti work well. Make sure it is softened for easy stirring.
- Vegan parmesan: Adds salty, umami richness. Use store-bought or make your own.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts into the hot orzo, adding color and nutrition.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley and basil are the finishing touch. Don’t skip them!
Find the full printable recipe here: One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo
