Description
A quick and delicious one pot dish featuring orzo and cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 small shallots, roughly chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 21/2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- Parmesan, to garnish (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat & Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Toss in the chopped shallots and minced garlic, letting them become fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently until they start breaking down and releasing their juices. This should take a few minutes.
- Stir in Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in Broth: Pour in the water and vegetable bouillon, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Simmer & Season: Allow it to simmer until the orzo is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid, around 10-15 minutes. If the mixture seems too soupy, leave it uncovered to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish With Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in fresh chopped basil. Stir to combine and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
- Expert Tips: Stir the orzo every few minutes while simmering to prevent sticking. Smashing the cherry tomatoes lightly helps to release their juices and reduces splatter. If the sauce appears too soupy, simmer uncovered on low heat for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic toast for added crunch, serve with a fresh garden salad, and top with additional fresh basil and grated parmesan for extra flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Add spinach for extra greens, incorporate roasted red peppers for additional flavor, or swap orzo for quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Ingredient Notes: Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Substitute vegetable bouillon with an equal amount of vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter to make this dish dairy-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 317mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg