Creamy Tomato Vodka Orzo (30-Minute One-Pan Dinner)

Tomato vodka orzo with spinach and parmesan served on a blue plate with fresh basil.

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Creamy Tomato Vodka Orzo (30-Minute One-Pan Dinner)

When I want something cozy, creamy, and fast, this Creamy Tomato Vodka Orzo hits the spot. It’s everything I love about vodka sauce pasta, but with orzo, which soaks up all the flavor in the best way. This one-pan recipe brings together tomato paste, a splash of vodka, and just enough cream and Parmesan to make it feel special, but still weeknight-easy. It’s the perfect meal to whip up in 30 minutes with those pantry staples!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 391.69kcal

Author: Sarah Hill

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot minced. Sub with ¼ of a small yellow onion if needed.
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved. Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes work too.
2 cloves garlic minced
4 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional or adjustable
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup vodka Sub with broth or omit if needed.
1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
½ cup heavy cream Sub with half and half or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free.
1 ½ cups chopped fresh baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan For dairy-free, use dairy-free parm or nutritional yeast if needed.
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté shallot 2–3 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 shallot
Add tomatoes and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes
½ cup cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic
Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow to caramelize for 2 minutes.
4 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt and pepper to taste
Add vodka, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
¼ cup vodka
Stir in orzo and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
1 cup orzo, 2 cups chicken broth
Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Cook uncovered 2–3 minutes.
½ cup heavy cream, 1 ½ cups chopped fresh baby spinach, ½ cup grated Parmesan
Garnish with basil and serve warm, topped with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Fresh basil for garnish

Video

Notes

If you’re out of vodka or prefer not to use alcohol, substitute an equal amount of broth. The flavor won’t be quite as deep, but it’ll still be delicious and creamy.
Orzo works best here since it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor. Small pastas like ditalini or pastina could work in a pinch, but you’ll need to adjust liquid amounts.
Right before serving, drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle extra Parmesan, or zest a bit of lemon over the top. These small touches add brightness and depth to each bite.

Nutrition