Creamy Tomato & Butter Bean Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g tins butter beans, drained
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 250g orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• Handful fresh basil, or 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated cheese, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then stir in the chopped tomatoes, butter beans, and vegetable stock.
3. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the orzo. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to stop it sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove from the heat and stir through the cream cheese and basil until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and top with grated cheese if using, before serving.