Creamy Tomato Orzo

creamy cherry tomato orzo with mascarpone.

This creamy tomato orzo with basil and mascarpone is a simple, one pot meal that you can enjoy on its own or as an easy side dish for roasted chicken or seared salmon! It's also a great way to use up all those summer cherry tomatoes!

Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 361kcal

Author Kyleigh Sage

Equipment

large skillet

Ingredients

Tomato Orzo

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot diced
2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
3 cups cherry tomatoes
1 cup orzo
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups vegetable stock substitute chicken broth or water
½ cup mascarpone cheese
¼ cup fresh basil thinly sliced

Garnish With

fresh basil
Parmesan cheese optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced shallot and garlic and cook until soft and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
Then add in the cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes burst and release their juices.
If desired, remove a few of the burst cherry tomatoes for garnish.
Then add in the dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Deglaze the pan with the vegetable stock, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Then add in the salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the orzo is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the mascarpone cheese and fresh basil until melted and fully combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Garnish the creamy tomato orzo with reserved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired!

Notes

This cherry tomato orzo is best eaten the same day, but will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up the sauce in the fridge, so it's best to reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or some heavy cream to add more moisture.

Nutrition