Creamy Orzo with Peas & Tomatoes

I pulled this from Giada de Laurentiis' Everyday Pasta cookbook, and it made an easy weeknight dinner served with some grilled salmon a few weeks ago. If you 1/2 the recipe, it still easily serves 4 (remember to 1/2 the cooking times as needed).

Creamy Orzo (serves 6-8)

1 lb (500g) orzo pasta (available at ASDA or Whole Foods)

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large shallot, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 (14.5 oz./400g) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 1/4 cups heavy cream (double cream)

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

3/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cream and peas. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan to the mixture and toss to coat. Stir the pasta mixture until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, adding enough of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper and serve.