Published 12/28/2023 Whether you need a new recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions or are just plain hungry, this orzo pasta is sure to satisfy. What makes this orzo pasta recipe unique? It’s a veggie-forward pasta recipe made with bursting cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Oh, and we creamed it with whipped cottage cheese for extra protein! The entire team seriously loved this pasta so much. We had fun filming the video too and all went back for seconds it’s so delicious.
What’s In Creamy Orzo Pasta
Cherry tomatoes: these sweet, juicy tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to the dish. They pair perfectly with the creamy sauce and add a nice texture. Cottage cheese: when blended with garlic and tomatoes, it creates a rich, creamy marinara sauce without the added calories from heavy cream. Tomato paste: this gets immediately mixed with the orzo, so you’ll want to make sure it’s evenly distributed. It adds a deeper tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Orzo pasta: this small rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors in the dish. Zucchini: we love the way chunks of zucchini add a bit of crunch and fresh flavor to the creamy pasta. Fresh basil: this herb gives the recipe its signature Italian taste. We recommend using fresh basil.
Variations and Substitutions
This tomato orzo recipe is like a blank canvas that you can customize to your liking. Cast Iron Pan
Swap the cheese: For instance, if you’d rather use cream cheese or ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese, go for it! Just note that the texture and flavor will slightly differ. You can also add or swap vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor. Make it vegetarian: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. On the contrary, if you want to add some protein, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish to make it a complete entree. Herb it up: Lastly, if you’re not a fan of basil, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could also add them in addition to basil for a more herb-forward dish. Anything is fair game, really!
Tips for Creamy Orzo Pasta
To make this recipe even quicker, you can use pre-cooked orzo. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time accordingly. Don’t skip the step of blending the cottage cheese, garlic, and tomatoes. This is what gives the dish its creamy texture. 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.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Store any leftover creamy orzo pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Pasta Recipes
One Pot Lasagna Pasta Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Mushroom Stroganoff One Pot Sneaky Spaghettios
We don’t recommend freezing this recipe, as it is cream-based and won’t keep its same texture or flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy orzo pasta with blended cottage cheese would pair nicely with meat dishes like our Seared Beef Tenderloin Roast, Cast Iron Steak, or Easy Whole Roasted Chicken. To balance out the savory flavors, add this Apple Burrata Salad or Arugula Salad on the side.
