Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Combining tender orzo pasta with a rich tomato and cream sauce, fresh basil, and melted cheeses, it’s a delightful one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe pot, combine the orzo, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Once the orzo is tender, remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
5. Step 5: Fold in the fresh basil.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, stir in cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage before baking.
• Swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, or mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or fontina.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, acini di pepe, or small shells work well, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. The recipe uses vegetable broth and contains no meat, making it a great vegetarian option. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s vegetarian-friendly.

Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo Bake is a deliciously comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and infused with fresh basil for a burst of flavor. This easy casserole combines stovetop simmering and oven baking for a creamy, golden finish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Tomato and Cream

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Herbs

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Other Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo casserole.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large oven-safe pot, add the orzo pasta, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will create the flavorful base for your casserole.
3. Simmer Orzo: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the orzo is tender.
4. Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat once the orzo is cooked. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
5. Incorporate Basil: Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil, which adds aromatic, bright herbaceous notes to the dish.
6. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the pot (or its contents into an equivalent oven-safe dish if needed) to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, creating a delicious crust.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the casserole set for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the dish will be less creamy.
• Fresh basil is preferred for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
• Use an oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven to simplify the cooking and baking process.
• To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the vegetable broth and cheeses are free of animal rennet.
• For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: orzo bake, tomato basil orzo, creamy orzo casserole, easy one pot meal, Italian pasta bake, vegetarian pasta dish