Creamy Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes

If you’re craving something simple, speedy, and seriously comforting, this Creamy Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes is about to become your new go-to weeknight favorite. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade without hours of fuss—rich, creamy, and bursting with sweet tomato flavor.

Creamy Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes

Why You'll Love This Dish

There’s so much to love about this pasta-ish dish:

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making dinner a breeze.

• Quick to Make: About 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Big Flavor from Simple Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes soften into a jammy, sweet sauce that coats the orzo perfectly.

• Customizable Richness: Top it traditionally with burrata or Parmesan—or keep it lighter with ricotta or a drizzle of olive oil.

  
  

This dish lands somewhere between a risotto and a pasta bowl, thanks to the cream and tomato broth that the orzo slowly absorbs as it cooks.

🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe so irresistible (full amounts in the recipe below):

• Orzo Pasta: Cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Blister and burst into a jammy sauce. We like to use Sunset Organic Wild Wonders cherry tomatoes. They’re sweet, juicy, and come in a beautiful array of shapes and colors.

• Olive Oil & Garlic: Build the flavorful base.

• Chicken Stock: Or swap for veggie stock to make this vegetarian.

• Cream: For a luxurious, silky texture (1/2 & 1/2 works here too).

• Fresh Basil, Italian Seasoning, Crushed Chili Flakes, Lemon Zest & Juice: Brighten the whole dish.

• Pecorino Romano & Burrata: Optional, but highly recommended for richness.

  
  

Every ingredient is something you’ll likely have on hand or can easily grab at the store—no exotic pantry items required.

Creamy Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

Yield: ~3 servings

Prep: 10 minutes • Cook: ~30 minutes

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped

• 14 oz of cherry tomatoes, halved, with about 1/4 left whole (We love Sunset Organic Wild Wonders tomatoes)

• ½ cup cream (1/2 & 1/2 and whole milk work well too)

• 1 cup chicken or veggie stock

• 1 cup orzo

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Large basil leaves, sliced

• ½ lemon (zest + juice)

• ½ cup Pecorino Romano

• 1 ball burrata (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

  
  

Directions

1. In a large everyday pan on medium heat, bring the olive oil to heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and jammy, about 15 minutes.

3. Add cream, stock, orzo, Italian seasoning, a generous amount of salt and pepper, and stir. Cook until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.

4. Off heat, stir in basil, lemon, and Pecorino.

5. Serve immediately topped with burrata and chili flakes if desired.

   
   

Note: This recipe can be made with canned tomatoes as well.

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Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 serving

Servings Per Recipe: 3

| Nutrient | Amount |

|------------------------|-------------|

| Calories | 560 kcal |

| Total Fat | 32 g |

| Saturated Fat | 15 g |

| Cholesterol | 75 mg |

| Sodium | 620 mg |

| Total Carbohydrates | 52 g |

| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |

| Total Sugars | 7 g |

| Protein | 16 g |

Nutrition information is estimated using standard ingredient databases and is provided as a general guideline only.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Orzo

Experiment with Flavors

Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the creaminess, while some fresh parsley can add a lovely touch.

Make It a Meal

You can easily turn this dish into a full meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed spinach. The possibilities are endless!

Storage Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock or cream to bring back the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s sure to bring smiles. So, why not give it a try tonight? You won’t regret it!