Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A light and bright summer pasta salad combining tender orzo with fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a lemon vinaigrette. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add the cooled orzo pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the lemon dressing.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts over the top. Toss lightly once more and serve this refreshing pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, perfect for warm summer lunches or picnics.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
