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freshly made cheesy tomato basil orzo in a stainless steel skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Tomato Basil Orzo

Cheesy Tomato Basil Orzo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of mozzarella and Parmesan with the fresh zest of basil and tomatoes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 4
Calories: 477kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo uncooked
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low sodium
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until slightly golden, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Let the orzo cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is al dente.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Mix in the fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and serve the orzo hot, garnished with extra basil or cheese if desired.

Notes

  1. Cheese Options: Feel free to try different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a twist on the flavor.
  2. Pasta Alternatives: Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  3. Enhance with Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.
  4. Fresh Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, you may need to adjust the amount of broth to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 1005mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1175IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 2mg