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Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo is a comforting, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta baked with garlic, basil, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. Perfect as a hearty main or a satisfying side, this recipe combines the creamy richness of mozzarella and parmesan with the freshness of basil and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 16 ounces uncooked orzo
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Cheeses and Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups grated mozzarella or Italian blend cheeses
  • Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Crushed red pepper, for topping
  • Fresh basil, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the orzo dish evenly.
  2. Toast the orzo: Melt the unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the uncooked orzo. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the orzo and develop a nutty flavor.
  3. Add liquids and bake: Pour in 1 ½ cups of the chicken or vegetable stock along with the marinara sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven uncovered and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo.
  4. Incorporate remaining stock and cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir the orzo gently. Add the remaining ½ cup of stock and mix well. Stir in 1 cup of the grated mozzarella or Italian blend cheeses into the orzo. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly on top.
  5. Final bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes to melt the cheese and let the top become slightly golden and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Take the skillet out of the oven and garnish the baked orzo with freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving to add flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to avoid transferring the dish between containers.
  • For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper to taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Gluten-free orzo alternatives can be used if needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/cheesy-tomato-basil-baked-orzo-recipe/