One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan
A comforting one-pot orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (about 160g) orzo pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (about 160g) orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, coating the orzo evenly with the garlic oil.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until melted and well combined. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 (about 160g) orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Tomato Basil Orzo with Garlic and Parmesan 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.
