Save to Pinterest This comforting tomato basil baked orzo is a Mediterranean-inspired casserole made for easy weeknights and family gatherings alike. Lush tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and gooey cheese hug tender orzo pasta in every bite. It is just as welcome as a vegetarian main as it is a crowd-pleasing side dish.
When my oven first turned out a bubbling pan of this orzo, the pure comfort and hearty flavors instantly won over my picky eater. Now it is on regular dinner rotation whenever basil is in season.
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta: the perfect small shape for soaking up sauce look for pasta with a smooth finish and even golden color
- Yellow onion: adds a subtle sweetness to the base choose a firm onion with thin papery skin
- Garlic: gives the dish a rich aromatic foundation pick plump cloves with no green shoots
- Diced tomatoes: bring texture and tang use a good quality canned tomato without added sugar
- Tomato sauce or passata: creates a velvety sauce layer choose a plain variety for best flavor control
- Cherry tomatoes: provide bursts of juicy freshness pick bright red ripe cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil: offers that classic Mediterranean aroma and flavor only chop fresh basil just before adding
- Vegetable broth: infuses flavor into every grain opt for low sodium to control seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese: delivers melty creaminess shred it yourself for smoother melting
- Parmesan cheese: adds sharp depth and a bit of saltiness purchase in blocks and grate for best texture
- Olive oil: enhances the sauce with a touch of fruitiness use extra virgin for maximum flavor
- Dried oregano: a must for traditional Italian notes choose a fragrant dried blend from a recent batch
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give a hint of warmth use only if you like mild heat
- Salt: brings out all the ingredients flavors
- Ground black pepper: adds gentle spice freshly ground is ideal
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it is piping hot and ready for baking right when your mixture goes in
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Pour olive oil into an ovenproof skillet or casserole dish and set it over medium heat once shimmering add the chopped onion and cook for about three minutes stir occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent this step builds the savory flavor base
- Bloom the Garlic:
- Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for around one minute until you smell that unmistakable aroma stir constantly to keep it from browning or burning
- Toast the Orzo:
- Scatter the uncooked orzo pasta into the skillet stirring well so it mixes with the oil onions and garlic continue to cook for two minutes this coats the grains in oil and helps develop a nutty depth
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce followed by the vegetable broth dried oregano red pepper flakes if using salt and black pepper stir the entire mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and the orzo is evenly distributed
- Include Cherry Tomatoes and Basil:
- Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh basil gently so their shape remains as much as possible these add pops of freshness after baking
- Simmer the Mixture:
- Allow the sauce to reach a gentle simmer on the stovetop this helps start cooking the orzo and marries the flavors before going into the oven
- Top with Cheese:
- Once heated through remove the skillet from the heat sprinkle mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly across the top do not mix in let the cheese form a golden crust as it bakes
- Bake Covered and Uncovered:
- Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake for twenty minutes the foil traps steam so the orzo cooks evenly then remove the foil and bake for another ten to fifteen minutes let the cheese become bubbly and golden at this stage while ensuring the orzo is tender
- Rest and Serve:
- Take the pan out of the oven and allow it to rest for five minutes this cooling period helps everything set up serve warm with a scatter of extra fresh basil for color and aroma
Save to Pinterest The fresh basil for me is what makes this dish feel so special I remember using basil plucked right from my little kitchen herb pot and the fragrance as it hit the hot tomato sauce was pure magic My family always sneaks extra leaves on their plate
Storage Tips
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat single portions in the microwave or oven To freeze cool completely and pack tightly in a freezer safe container up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating uncovered to prevent sogginess
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in roasted red peppers or spinach for some or all of the cherry tomatoes Dairy free mozzarella and Parmesan work great for vegan needs Use gluten free orzo for allergies No fresh basil Try half the amount of dried just add when sautéing the onions
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp baby greens salad and bread for a full meal For special gatherings garnish with more cheese and basil and pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir This orzo also makes a wonderful potluck addition
Cultural and Historical Context
Baked pasta dishes are a beloved tradition across the Mediterranean with each country layering their favorite vegetables and cheeses Orzo sometimes called risoni is the ideal grain for soaking up these lush tomato rich sauces This dish channels classic Italian flavors with a breezy modern twist
Seasonal Adaptations
Sprinkle in diced zucchini or eggplant during summer Use sun dried tomatoes or jarred roasted peppers when fresh cherry tomatoes are not in season Make it extra cozy in winter by stirring in a handful of chopped spinach before baking
Save to Pinterest This baked orzo is sure to become a weeknight favorite thanks to its ease and rich taste. Every bite celebrates classic comfort with a fresh Mediterranean twist.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use gluten-free orzo?
Yes, gluten-free orzo works well. Ensure baking times remain the same and check for tenderness before serving.
- → What cheese alternatives fit a vegan diet?
Dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan can be substituted to keep the dish entirely plant-based.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Incorporate spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- → What sides pair best with this dish?
Green salad and crusty bread complement the casserole, making a balanced Mediterranean meal.
- → Can I use different herbs?
Try fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley for variation, but basil preserves the classic Mediterranean taste.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This baked orzo keeps well refrigerated. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.