One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Mozzarella
A simple, comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender orzo simmered in a fresh tomato and basil broth with melted mozzarella. This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. 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 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta, 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta smoothly. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella?
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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Mozzarella?
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 Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella 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.
