Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknights. With tender orzo, rich cheeses, and fresh basil, it offers a flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bright tomato flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe pot, combine the orzo, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Once the orzo is tender, remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
5. Step 5: Fold in the fresh basil.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sautéed onions before cooking the orzo.
• Swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Add some cooked spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store any leftover orzo bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, adding a little extra cream or broth if it seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like risetti or small shells, but adjust cooking time as needed since pasta shapes vary.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and avoid any meat additions. You can also make it vegan by replacing the dairy with plant-based alternatives.

Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 114 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a savory tomato and cream sauce, enriched with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and fresh basil. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish combines creamy textures with fresh herbaceous notes for an inviting Mediterranean-inspired bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo Pasta and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Tomatoes and Cream

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasoning

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large oven-safe pot, add the orzo, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
3. Cook on Stovetop: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
4. Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Add Fresh Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil gently to evenly distribute the herb flavor throughout the dish.
6. Bake: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, enhancing the texture and flavor.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier portioning and improved taste.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe pot or transfer to a baking dish if your pot isn’t oven-safe.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, adding a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Creamy Orzo Bake, Tomato Basil Orzo, Italian Pasta Bake, Oven-Baked Orzo, One-Pot Orzo Dish, Vegetarian Pasta Bake