Description
This One Pan Tomato Basil Baked Orzo is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of herbs baked in a rich tomato basil sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 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
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh julienned basil, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the orzo dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Greens and Sauces: Stir in the chopped spinach, basil pesto, tomato basil sauce, and 2 ½ cups of water or broth. Mix everything together until well combined, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly.
- Combine Orzo and Seasonings: Add the orzo pasta, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- 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 pasta is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the orzo. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 5 minutes more, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Broil for a Golden Top: Switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese turns slightly golden and bubbly in spots. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh julienned basil and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious one pan baked orzo!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for water to enhance flavor.
- Use homemade basil pesto for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
- Watch the orzo closely during broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a mildly spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian