One Pan Tomato Basil Baked Orzo Recipe
A cozy and easy one-pan tomato basil baked orzo featuring burst cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and layers of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this vegetarian Italian-American dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite proteins. It’s kid-friendly and packed with flavors from fresh basil and tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh julienned basil, to garnish
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for sauté)
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup tomato basil sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 2 ½ cups water or broth
- 1 pound orzo
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for orzo)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the orzo dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
- Add Greens and Sauces: Stir in chopped spinach, basil pesto, tomato basil sauce, and water or broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Orzo and Seasonings: Add uncooked orzo, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the pasta and seasonings in the sauce mixture.
- Bake the Orzo: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked through.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven, stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the orzo mixture, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Finish Baking and Broiling: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese turns slightly golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh julienned basil and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm as a delicious main or side dish.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and you can add your favorite proteins such as grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp for more heartiness.
- For a vegan option, substitute the mozzarella with plant-based cheese and ensure the pesto is vegan-friendly.
- Using broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor to the orzo.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, just add a splash of water if dry.
- The broiling step helps get the mozzarella cheese to a beautiful golden brown and adds texture.
