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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Basil: Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil, which adds aromatic, bright herbaceous notes to the dish.
- 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.
- 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
