Creamy Orzo with Garlic, Parmesan, and Blistered Tomatoes
This creamy orzo keeps things light and fresh, with sweet cherry tomatoes stewed in garlicky olive oil until they burst to make a fresh tomato sauce. This easy recipe is a no-fuss vegetarian dinner that comes together in one pan and 30 minutes or less.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 5 cups cherry tomatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- 2 cups dry orzo
- Water or broth (3-4 cups)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino Romano, or more to your liking
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Blister the cherry tomatoes. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tomatoes (whole) and garlic and season with a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, then cover the pan until the tomatoes are softened, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stew the tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to mash the softened tomatoes. Let them cook, uncovered, until they have softened and let out a lot of juice, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cook the orzo. Add the orzo and cover with water or broth by about 1 inch. Add a big pinch of salt and pepper and stir to combine. Let the pasta and tomatoes cook over medium heat (uncovered), stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching at the bottom.
- Temper the yogurt. Before the orzo has absorbed the liquid, spoon some of the warm tomato-ey broth into a large measuring cup. Add the yogurt and whisk to combine, bringing the yogurt to room temperature.
- Combine. When the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the juice, about 10 minutes, turn the heat off. Add the warmed yogurt and stir to combine.
- Finish and serve. Stir in the cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve.
Video
Notes
- Check out our guide on how to mince garlic for all my tips and tricks.
- Make sure to whisk the yogurt and warm broth well before combining it with the hot pasta. If the yogurt is still cold from the fridge it may curdle.
- Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.
Nutrition
Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.4g | Protein: 17.1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.8g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 6.8mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 702.9mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2225.4IU | Vitamin C: 63.4mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 3.1mg
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