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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Fresh Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil gently to evenly distribute the herb flavor throughout the dish.
- 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.
- 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
