Main image of Creamy Tomato Orzo

Creamy Tomato Orzo

20 min

Main

10 ingredients or less

This simple and speedy recipe for creamy orzo uses fresh cherry tomatoes to create a flavorful base, and is topped off with crunchy roasted pine nuts, making it the perfect meal for busy days.

Servings

Total

20 min

Prep

5 min

Cook

15 min

Contains

Gluten symbol

gluten

Swap out

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Ingredients

Orzo

  • 2 tsp (10 mL)
    olive oil
  • 3 cups (447 g)
    cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups (480 mL)
    water
  • 1 cup (170 g)
    dry orzo pasta
  • 1
    vegetable bouillon cube, crumbled
  • ½ Tbsp (1 g)
  • ⅛ tsp
    ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup (100 g)
    frozen green peas
  • ¾ cup (18 g)
    fresh basil, torn

Toppings

Directions

  1. Add the oil to a sauté pan on high heat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
  2. Then add the water, orzo, bouillon, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
  3. Cook at a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally, and mash the tomatoes with the back of the spatula to extract their flavour and juices.
  4. Then add the peas and basil. Cook for 1 - 2 more minutes.
  5. Garnish and enjoy!

Storage

  • Best to enjoy immediately, as orzo tends to dry out as it cools.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Let us know what you think

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 36%

dry orzo pasta

Proteins 11%

frozen green peas

roasted pine nuts

Fruits & Veggies 53%

cherry tomato

fresh basil

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

olive oil

roasted pine nuts

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

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Discussion & Rating

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Izzi - May 30, 2023, 12:46 a.m.

Just made this for dinner and had to make myself put my bowl down to keep from inhaling it. Soo good. I can't wait to make it with fresh tomatoes from the garden. What a great, easy recipe!


Aditi - May 28, 2023, 10:16 p.m.

I just made this, and I'm in love! So wholesome, flavourful and the one-pot bit is just a bonus! Thank you for this recipe xx


Tina - May 28, 2023, 8:29 p.m.

Incredibly easy and delicious, works with canned tomatoes too and still has layers of flavor. Will definitely add this recipe to my weekly rotation!

PUL Team - May 28, 2023, 9:45 p.m.

Woop woop! Thank you, Tina 🙂


Eric - May 28, 2023, 1:07 a.m.

For how simple this is, it's very flavorful and warm. Ours ended up looking a little different, but that may be because we used more tomatoes than the recipe called for. It's going into our regular rotation! Loved it!

PUL Team - May 28, 2023, 3:59 a.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, Eric, thanks a bunch 🤗


Debby - May 26, 2023, 2:09 a.m.

Clever, easy and tasty! Paired with steamed veggies for a yummy meal.


Ori - May 25, 2023, 4:32 p.m.

I made this dish after a bought of not having the energy to cook. When I heard the Sadia promise no chopping required for this dish, I felt like I could get back in the kitchen. I bumped the serving amount to 4 (which was so easy thanks to the website--can't wait for the new app!) as I let the container of tomatoes dictate how much I'd make. I ended up feeding two of my housemates on the first night ('twas a hit!) and myself for half a week! It tasted good warm or cold.

Thank you, Pick Up Limes team!

PUL Team - May 25, 2023, 5:42 p.m.

Awe we're so thrilled to hear, Ori, thank YOU 🤗 We can't wait to share the Pick Up Limes mobile app soon!


Carolina - May 25, 2023, 2:20 p.m.

I tried it today after a busy morning, it was a real relief to have it and it was delicious!! Thank you for this simple, fast and so good recipe!


Gal - May 24, 2023, 11:38 a.m.

Loved the recipe.
Made some changes since we have here in Israel ptitim and not orzo.
Also changed the peas to adamame.

PUL Team - May 24, 2023, 9:23 p.m.

Sounds delicious, Gal - thanks for sharing your experience with it 😃


Celina - May 24, 2023, 8:08 a.m.

I love this! I made this yesterday after a recital and it was so nice to have a recipe that is so delicious but still so quick to make! Also the no chopping part was great. One of my new favorite PUL recipes!
I am also so excited for the app to come out for Android! Thank you in advance for all the hard work you put in 🫶🏻

PUL Team - May 24, 2023, 9:23 p.m.

So happy to hear, Celina, thank you! We'll be launching our app on iOS very soon and releasing the Android a bit after. We're confident it'll be worth the wait 🫶


Annika - May 23, 2023, 11:16 p.m.

Thank you!
That‘s a fast & delicious dish, my Family liked it, too 😋
Only „Problem“: the serving of 4 brought my Pan to its Limits… 😳😬


Adineh - May 23, 2023, 7:16 p.m.

So yummy!


Vanessa - May 23, 2023, 6:40 p.m.

Minimum fuss, hardly any clean up but maximum taste. Just perfect after a busy day. Did not have fresh basil but substituted with fresh mint and it was just amazing. Will definitely make this one again and again.

PUL Team - May 23, 2023, 6:59 p.m.

Mmm mint sounds like a lovely alternative. Thanks, Vanessa!


Emma - May 23, 2023, 6:35 p.m.

So simple and so good! The texture really does become creamy and the pops of tomatoes are absolutely divine (I left a few uncrushed)! I was contemplating going out to eat after an hectic day, but I'm so happy I decided to cook this dish instead. I hardly feel like I put in any effort, and all of a sudden, I had a superb homemade meal—it felt like magic!

PUL Team - May 23, 2023, 6:59 p.m.

Woohoo! Such a big compliment, Emma, thanks a bunch 🙂


Veronika - May 23, 2023, 6:31 p.m.

Hi Sadia,
I love cooking, but sometimes a simple and easy recipe is such a treat. This is one of those. The family devoured it, no leftover whatsoever. I made some roasted veggies on the side because I had some more time and it paired really well.
Thank you so much for sharing these recipes. I've cooked a handful now from your site and they always come out delicious.
Have a wonderful evening!

PUL Team - May 23, 2023, 6:58 p.m.

Oh, Veronika, we're so thrilled to hear! Pairing it with roasted veggies sounds delicious 😊


Petra - May 23, 2023, 4:53 p.m.

Sooo good even for non-vegans! And my 1 and 3 years old children approve as well!!


Tom - May 23, 2023, 4:25 p.m.

So good!


Kristen - May 22, 2023, 10:06 p.m.

Made it last night, so easy and tasty that we decided to remake it again for lunch today! I substituted the orzo for pearl couscous and added some white beans the second time around, and it was just as delicious.

PUL Team - May 23, 2023, 9:27 a.m.

Mmm sounds so lovely, Kristen, thanks for sharing your experience with the recipe 🤗


Zuzanna - May 22, 2023, 8:23 p.m.

It was delicious! I'm definitely going to make it again!


Dominika - May 22, 2023, 6:14 p.m.

quick and delicious🌱✨


Tischan - May 22, 2023, 5:58 p.m.

Oh my this was delicious! I must say that I was skeptical at first because of the short list of ingredients, but they truly do come together for a delicious and creamy dish with lots of flavor! I did not have fresh basil on hand so I used 1tsp dry basil. Also my very picky kids even ate this!

PUL Team - May 22, 2023, 9:12 p.m.

Woop woop! So happy to hear, Tischan - thank you 😃