One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes
A luscious, creamy orzo pasta infused with vibrant basil pesto and sweet cherry tomatoes, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends orzo pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the pasta in olive oil and garlic.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil until the sauce is creamy and coats the orzo evenly.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo 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 One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo 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 One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo 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.
