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+ servings
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4.34 from 3 votes

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.
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Fat 14
Carbs 46
Protein 15
Yield 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.
    A frying pan full of tomatoes and onions.
  • 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.
    A blender filled with tomatoes and feta cheese.
  • 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.
    A skillet filled with mashed potatoes, tomatoes and herbs.

Tips & 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.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g