One-Pot Orzo (Healthy Recipe) - Elavegan (2024)

One-pot orzo with tomatoes is a creamy, comforting, wholesome, satisfying healthy meal that tastes like faux risotto but cooks in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and dinner parties!

Creamy and Delicious One-Pot Tomato Orzo

If the last couple of weeks are anything to go by, healthy vegan orzo recipes are becoming one of my go-to’s this summer. It’s simple to prepare, cooks quickly, and is as delicious in a light and refreshingMediterranean orzo salad as a brothy soup or this rich, creamy, crowd-pleasing one-pot orzo with tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Not only is this tomato orzo super quick, easy, and delicious, but it cooks in a single pot and is basically like a ‘cheat’ risotto. By simmering the orzo pasta in vegetable broth and finishing it with creamy, cheesy elements, this orzo risotto (aka ‘orzotto’) has the same super creamy, decadent consistency as a regular risotto but in less than half the time and effort. Plus, I’ve made mine 100% dairy-free and gluten-free.

Pair it with garlic bread, a side salad, or your favorite roasted/ grilled vegetables and protein, and this simple orzo recipe is a satisfying family dinner everyone will enjoy. If you have leftovers (unlikely!), they store and reheat well too!

If you’re looking for more simple vegan one-pot meals, check out this vegan lasagna soup, one-pot pasta, or green lentil dal.

The Ingredients and Substitutions

• Orzo: Use regular or gluten-free orzo pasta. I used red lentil orzo (risoni), which is naturally gluten-free. Other small pasta shapes will also work, too, like giant couscous, ditalini, or pastina (adjust the cooking time accordingly).
• Olive oil: When combined with cooking tomatoes, this oil will increase our absorption of lycopene (its potent antioxidant). However, other neutral cooking oils will also work. I.e., avocado oil, etc.
• Aromatics: Add heaps of flavor to this tomato basil orzo with plenty of garlic and onion (or shallot).
• Cherry tomatoes: Use cherry, grape, or mini plum tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes will work in a pinch, but the flavor/acidity will change.
• Vegetable broth: Use (warm) vegetable broth or a stock powder/cube combined with boiling water. Water will work, too, but is far less flavorful.
• Coconut milk: To add a super creamy finish, I used canned full-fat coconut milk, though a light version will work, too. If you aren’t a fan of coconut, use thin cashew cream or another dairy-free ‘heavy cream.’
• Tomato paste: (optional) for a richer tomato flavor.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Season to taste.
• To garnish: I use vegan Parmesan cheese (or cheddar cheese/ feta cheese), red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs like fresh basil. Fresh parsley or thyme would also taste great.

What Else Could I Add to One Pot Orzo?

• Dry white wine: About ¼-1/3 cup to de-glaze the pan/ cook off before adding the broth.
• Butter: Use your favorite dairy-free butter, and add a spoonful just before serving for a rich, silky mouthfeel.
• Cream cheese: For an even creamier, cheesier vegan orzo recipe. Stir in some dairy-free cream cheese towards the end.
• Basil pesto: Just a little swirled into the top when serving for extra salty, savory, herby flavor in the tomato basil orzo.
• Chickpeas/white beans: For lots of plant-based protein and fiber to create a more complete meal.
• Vegetables: While I usually serve this one pan orzo alongside veggies, there are several you can mix straight into the dish, including:
  • Peas (frozen)
  • Corn (frozen or canned)
  • Spinach (or kale)
  • Zucchini
  • Leek (sautéed with or instead of the onion)

For thefull ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional informationread the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy One-Pot Orzo

• First, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Then, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan/skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Then add the garlic to sauté for 30-60 seconds.
• Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften slightly. Use a fork or potato masher to gently press them to release their juices.

• Add the orzo, mix well, and toast for a minute until lightly golden and fragrant.

• Pour in the (warm) vegetable broth, a little at a time, while stirring. Keep stirring until no broth remains.

• Then, lower the heat to a simmer and pour in the coconut milk, cooking the orzo for about 5-8 minutes.

• Next, add the tomato paste (if using), taste, and season the orzo with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Finally, add more broth if you want a saucier tomato orzo, cover the pan, and cook for a few more minutes until the orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally. Then serve in bowls topped with vegan Parmesan and basil – enjoy!

Storage Information

Like other pasta dishes, orzo will continue to soften/soak up the sauce while it sits, so it is best consumed fresh but will store fine, too.

Store: Allow the one-pot orzo to cool, and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. (during this time, the orzo will further soften/soak up the sauce).

Freeze: You can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag (spread flat with the excess air squeezed out) for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Use a microwave (in 30-45 second increments) or low heat on the stove. Add a splash of extra broth or dairy-free milk to bring back the super creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Orzo Risotto?

• Grilled or crispy tofu/tempeh
• Roasted or grilled cauliflower steaks
• Cooked green beans, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, zucchini, etc.
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Crusty garlic bread, bread sticks, or regular (GF) bread
• A simple, fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette

FAQs

Is orzo healthy?

Orzo is simply a type of pasta, so it can definitely be a part of a healthy diet – especially when pairing it with nutritious ingredients like vegetables and proteins to create well-balanced meals. For example, this tomato orzo is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients from the tomatoes and is usually served alongside extra green veggies and protein.

Are orzo and risotto the same thing?

Traditional risotto is made with short-grain Arborio rice. Meanwhile, orzo, while rice-like in shape, is actually a type of pasta. So, though it can make orzo risotto (or ‘orzotto’), they aren’t the same, and it has a softer, silkier texture.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Toast the orzo: This improves the flavor and keeps it from becoming mushy when cooked while still creating creamy one pot orzo ‘orzotto’.
• For extra flavor: Browning the onion (rather than just cooking it until softened) will add depth to the tomato orzo.
• Stir frequently: To ensure the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• To adjust the consistency: Increase the broth (liquid) added for a more soupy/saucy one-pot orzo.

Other Vegan Pasta Recipes

• Vegan Mushroom and Leek Pasta
• Healthy Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
• Vegan Pasta Bake with Mushrooms
• Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta e Ceci)
• Garlic Noodles (Pasta Aglio e Olio)
• Creamy Kale Avocado Pasta

If you try this healthy one pot orzo recipe, I’d love a comment and★★★★★recipe ratingbelow. Also, please don’t forget totag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebookwith@elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.

IF YOU ARE USING PINTEREST, FEEL FREE TO PIN THE FOLLOWING PHOTO: