One Pan Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
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!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 430cal
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 to 400°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, 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 though, 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 skillet 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.
Notes
See the full post for tips, tricks, and ways to add your favorite proteins!
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 430cal | Carbohydrates: 52.8g | Protein: 16.9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7.3g | Fiber: 10.7g | Sugar: 7.7g