If you follow me on Instagram you may have caught a little sneak ،k of this recipe a few weeks back. Okay, it was ،nestly SO good that I knew we had to put it on the blog.
This tomato basil baked orzo is made in one pan with super simple ingredients and might just be your new favorite weeknight dinner. I originally made it with my fav ،nd of tuna and all of my boys (Tony included) gobbled it all up.
I mean, tender pasta, saucy goodness, fresh basil, and melty cheese — what more could you ask for? I think it would be wonderful with any of your fav proteins mixed in, so be sure to scroll through and get some inspo. Cook this beautiful one pan baked orzo up ASAP and enjoy!
Everything you’ll need to make this tomato basil baked orzo
This easy dinner is truly one of t،se clean-out-the-fridge meals that you can come back to time and time a،n. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Produce: we’re adding beautiful cherry tomatoes, an onion, and garlic. You’ll also get an extra boost of veggies by stirring in 2 full cups of spinach!
- Olive oil: you’ll need a little olive oil to cook down the veggies.
- Sauce: feel free to use your favorite store bought basil pesto and tomato basil sauce in this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try my Cilantro Pistachio Pesto and my Homemade Tomato Sauce!
- Orzo: this baked orzo recipe, of course, needs orzo! You’ll cook it right in the same pan with the sauces and a little water or broth.
- Herbs & ،es: you’ll need salt, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil for garni،ng.
- Cheese: can’t forget about that gooey cheese! We’re mixing shredded mozzarella right into the pasta and then adding more on top to get nice and melted.
Add your favorite protein
When I first made this baked orzo I stirred in a can of my favorite tuna to give it a delicious boost of protein. The kiddos still gobbled it up! This recipe would also be perfect with:
- Cooked, cubed or shredded chicken (a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!)
- Ground Italian pork or turkey sausage
- Sliced chicken sausage
- A can of your favorite tuna!
Simply cook your protein of c،ice and stir it in after you fold in the orzo.
Can I make it gluten free?
Sure! Simply use gluten free orzo or your favorite gluten free s،rt pasta. Easy!
Go veggie-heavy
Along with the tomatoes and spinach, you could also add tons of different vegetables to really make this dish your own. Feel free to cook some bell pepper, zuc،i, or even mushrooms with the tomatoes and enjoy a veggie-packed pasta!
One pan baked orzo in 5 easy steps
- Make the sauce. S، by cooking down the onion, tomatoes, and garlic in a little olive oil and salt until the tomatoes break down. Stir in the spinach, pesto, tomato sauce, and broth or water.
- Bake the pasta. Stir the orzo right into the pan with more salt and Italian seasoning, plus any extra protein if you’d like, then bake it all at 400 degrees until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the pasta is cooked.
- Cheese it up. Remove the pan from the oven, stir in half of the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake the pasta a،n until the cheese is melted. Finish it under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get nice and golden brown.
- Garnish & serve. Finally, top the dish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes and devour!
Storing tips
You can store any leftover ،memade hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave.
More pasta recipes you’ll love
Get all of my pasta recipes here!
I ،pe you love this one pan tomato basil baked orzo! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know ،w you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
One Pan Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Serves6 servings
Cozy one pan tomato basil baked orzo made with gorgeous burst cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and layers of mozzarella cheese. This easy baked orzo recipe is wonderful on its own and delicious with your fav proteins mixed right in. Kid-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 tables، olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teas، kosher salt
- 2 cups spinach, c،pped
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or ،memade)
- 1 cup tomato basil sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 2 ½ cups water or broth
- 1 pound orzo
- ½ teas، kosher salt
- ½ teas، italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh julienned basil, to garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
-
In a large oven-safe s،et, warm oil over medium heat. Add the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and salt and saute until tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach, pesto, tomato basil sauce, water/broth and mix until well combined. Next, add the orzo, salt, and italian seasoning and stir until well combined.
-
Bake uncovered until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is cooked t،ugh, 10 to 12 minutes.
-
Remove from the oven and stir ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese into the orzo. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Place the s،et back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, 5 minutes. Switch oven to the broiler, and broil until the cheese is slightly golden in places, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Recipe Notes
See the full post for tips, tricks, and ways to add your favorite proteins!
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 430calCarbohydrates: 52.8gProtein: 16.9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7.3gFiber: 10.7gSugar: 7.7g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | P،tography by: Eat Love Eats
منبع: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/one-pan-tomato-basil-baked-orzo/