Creamy Tomato Orzo Pasta
This creamy orzo pasta with blended cottage cheese is a great addition to your dinner rotation. It's simple to make, customizable, and satisfying.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ¼ white onion minced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup 2% or whole fat cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt separated
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1.25 cups orzo pasta
- 1 medium zucchini cubed (~2 cups)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- Optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil becomes fragrant, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, the onions should be translucent.
- Add the paprika, 1.5 teaspoons of the salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender. Add the cottage cheese and blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be light and the cheese should be completely blended. Set aside.
- Next, add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. When the oil becomes fragrant add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the orzo to the pan to toast for about 2 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, remaining salt, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir and bring to a boil. Place the lid on the top and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes. The orzo should be fully cooked and soft.
- Remove from the heat. Transfer the cottage cheese sauce to the pan and stir to combine. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- To serve add fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes.
Video
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Notes
- Make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth
- Rosemary or thyme could be used in this recipe in place or in addition to the basil.
- When you blend in step #3 be sure you blend the sauce until it is light and almost frothy.
- That will ensure that it doesn’t curdle.
Nutrition
Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g