Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo
A comforting, quick-cooking one-pot meal where orzo pasta simmers in a rich tomato broth infused with fresh basil and garlic. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced canned tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup orzo pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
