Sometimes, dinner just needs to feel like a hug. That’s where this One Pot Creamy Orzo steps in — rich, silky, and cooked in a single pan without any fuss. It’s the kind of weeknight magic that makes you think, “Why didn’t I try this sooner?”
Orzo, with its rice-like shape, manages to pick up flavors beautifully. Tossed with jammy tomatoes, a whisper of garlic, cream, and fresh herbs — the result is a dish that tastes like you spent all day cooking, but you didn’t. Just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is served.
When Is the Best Time to Serve This Dish?
Think of cozy evenings when the air starts cooling down, and there’s a craving for comfort food… that’s creamy orzo weather. It’s perfect for weeknight family dinners, but also feels fancy enough for a casual dinner party with friends.
Summer isn’t out of the question, though. Using fresh garden tomatoes turns this into a stunning seasonal dish that tastes bright and fresh. And trust me, it makes leftovers feel like a little gift waiting in the fridge the next day.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- 3 tbsp olive oil – the base for sautéing garlic.
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced – deep flavor and aroma.
- 400 g cherry tomatoes – cook down into a sweet, tangy sauce.
- ½ cup cream – transforms everything into luscious creaminess.
- 1 cup chicken stock – adds depth; swap for veggie stock if vegetarian.
- 1 cup orzo – the star of the show, plump and toothsome.
- Large basil leaves, sliced – a pop of fresh herb flavor.
- Juice + zest of ½ lemon – brightness that cuts through cream.
- 50 g pecorino romano – salty, nutty, sharp.
- 180 g burrata – creamy luxury spooned on top.
- Salt and pepper – the basics, but so important.
Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try
No burrata in the fridge? Don’t panic. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or even a dollop of cream cheese can make this work. Each gives a slightly different texture, but keeps the indulgence alive.
Chicken stock too strong? Vegetable broth works beautifully, bringing a lighter flavor. And if pecorino feels too bold, parmesan is a softer, well-loved alternative. That means you can customize this orzo each time.
How to make One Pot Creamy Orzo Recipe?
Sauté the Garlic
Start with olive oil shimmering in your pan. Drop in sliced garlic and let it sizzle gently, releasing its warmth without burning — just about 1–2 minutes.
Cook Down the Tomatoes
Add cherry tomatoes. Let them soften, blister, and collapse into that glossy, jammy texture. This is where the sauce begins its story.
Add Cream, Stock, and Orzo
Pour in cream and chicken stock, then tip in the orzo. Stir often, letting the pasta drink up the flavorful liquid. Keep the simmer low and steady until most of the liquid disappears into plump grains.
Finish with Herbs and Cheese
Once the orzo is tender, switch off the heat. Add basil and lemon zest plus juice. Fold in pecorino romano until everything looks silky and bright.
Serve with Burrata
Scoop generous portions into bowls, top with burrata, a sprinkle of extra basil, maybe even chili flakes if you like heat. Watch it melt into the pasta like cream on velvet.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? Tuck them into an airtight container. In the fridge, this orzo lasts 3–4 days. It does thicken as it sits, so add a splash of stock when reheating to loosen things back to silky goodness.
Microwave works fine, but warming it gently on the stovetop gives better texture. If you’ve topped with burrata, add that fresh after reheating, not before. Burrata is best enjoyed silky and cold against the warm orzo.
Tips
Season bit by bit. Don’t wait until the end — layering salt and pepper throughout brings the best results.
If the orzo looks thirsty before it’s cooked, add a little more stock. It’s forgiving, and you’ll avoid dry pasta. Also, serve straight away — orzo becomes softer as it sits, losing that just-right bite.
Want protein? Stir through shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp right at the end. They’ll soak into the creamy sauce like they were meant to be there all along.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the cream beautifully. Garlic bread never misses — that crunch with creamy pasta feels just right. For wine, a chilled glass of chardonnay pairs well; or, if you prefer something lighter, a zesty sauvignon blanc sings against the lemon zest in the dish.
For a family-style dinner, pair it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. They bring smoky charred flavors that give the orzo an earthy balance. Comfort plus freshness, all in one meal.
One Pot Creamy Orzo Recipe
Description
This One Pot Creamy Orzo is a rich, comforting Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Tender orzo pasta simmers in a savory blend of chicken stock, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and cream, then finished with fresh basil, lemon zest, and Pecorino Romano. Topped with creamy burrata, this one-pan wonder delivers bold flavor and luxurious texture—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and jammy.Press tomatoes gently to help release their juices. -
Add Liquids and Orzo
Pour in the cream, chicken stock, uncooked orzo, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option. -
Simmer Until Cooked
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and has absorbed about 80% of the liquid. Add a splash more stock if the mixture becomes too dry.Orzo should be al dente and suspended in a creamy sauce. -
Finish with Fresh Ingredients
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Pecorino Romano until well combined and creamy.The residual heat will melt the cheese and wilt the basil slightly. -
Serve
Divide the creamy orzo among serving bowls. Top each with a burrata ball, a drizzle of olive oil, extra basil, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.Burrata adds a luxurious, creamy finish when torn open.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 680mg29%
- Potassium 520mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 16g32%
- Calcium 220 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Add Protein: Boost the meal with grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a heartier dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap basil for parsley, dill, or oregano based on preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended due to cream and burrata content.
- Serve Immediately: Orzo continues to absorb liquid, so serve right after cooking for the best texture.
