Fresh and flavorful, this Tomato Basil Orzo is a delicious summer dinner recipe. Coming together in just 15 minutes and made in one pot this orzo is great as a vegetarian dinner or served alongside chicken, steak or shrimp. This easy orzo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as well.
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This Tomato Basil Orzo is one of those dishes that everone needs in their back pocket. One of the quickest pasta recipes you can make this orzo is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.Made in one pan this orzo simmers in chicken broth for a boost of flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil are stirred in at the end, with just enough time in the pan to ensure they are heated through.
Perfect on it’s own as a vegetarian dinner this tomato orzo is also delicious paired with your favorite protein. Served it with Pesto Chicken Meatballs (my personal favorite) or Beef Ricotta Meatballs, shrimp (like my Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp Skewers), grilled or chicken or even steak. You could even drizzle over a bit of balsamic glaze, basil pesto or basil vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Orzo
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Substitute or add your favorite herbs like fresh oregano, parsley or mint
- Add in a dash of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a bit of heat
- Stir in toasted pine nuts, pesto or parmesan cheese with the tomatoes
- Add in small mozzarella pearls (known as perlini or celigine depending on the size) to make this a caprese orzo. Feta cheese, goat cheese and grated parmesan cheese would also be delicious additions as well
- Stir in a handful of spinach or chopped zucchini for some extra veggies
- Feel free to use your favorite gluten-free orzo, it will be just as delicious
How to Make Tomato Basil Orzo
This orzo dish is incredibly easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until frangrant.Add the orzo to the pan and cook for 2 minutes or until slightly toasted.Add in the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and basil and cook for 1-2 minutes or unti the tomatoes are heated through. Serve as desired.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you like this Tomato Basil Orzo be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Spinach and Artichoke Orzo with Chicken Meatballs
Creamy Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
If you make these Pesto Chicken Meatballs please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram or Tiktok, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Fresh Tomato Basil Orzo
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until frangrant.
- . Add the orzo to the pan and cook for 2 minutes or until slightly toasted.
- Add in the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the tomatoes and basil and cook for 1-2 minutes or the tomotoes are heathed through. Serve as desired.
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