One-Pot Creamy Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

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 recipe (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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  5. 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.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

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