One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Spinach
A vibrant, easy one-pot dinner combining tender orzo pasta with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and wilted spinach for a healthy and comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Uncover and stir in 3 cups baby spinach and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook uncovered for another 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Orzo with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 Spinach?
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 Spinach?
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 Spinach 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 Tomato Basil Orzo with Spinach 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.
