Simple Orzo Recipe with Tomatoes and Basil

quick and easy orzo pasta on serving plate with tomatoes and basil.

5 from 20 votes

Simple Orzo Recipe with Tomatoes and Basil

Are you looking for a quick and easy vegetarian and vegan meal recipe packed full of fresh flavors? Then try our delicious and best orzo recipe with tomatoes and basil that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, greek, Italian, Mediterranean

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 187kcal

Author: Kushi

Equipment

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Orzo
Salt
2 tablespoon Olive oil
4 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ to 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
3 Tomatoes, diced
¼ cup Tomato pasta sauce (you can also use canned tomato paste or sauce)
2 to 3 tablespoon Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

How to cook orzo?

Cooking orzo is like cooking any other pasta.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until done. (Since the size of the orzo varies with the brand, check out the package instructions for cooking time)
1 ½ cups Orzo, Salt
Drain and drizzle olive oil if needed to avoid it sticking to each other.

Making of the best orzo with tomatoes and basil

Heat oil in a pan, Add garlic cloves and saute on medium flame until it sizzles.
2 tablespoon Olive oil, 4 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
Add the red pepper flakes and saute for a few seconds (skip this if you do not want it spicy or want to make it kids friendly).
½ to 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
Add the diced tomatoes and saute on medium-high flame for 5 to 7 minutes. (You can cover the pan with a lid if needed to avoid the oil from spluttering.)
3 Tomatoes, diced
Add the sauce and saute for a minute.
¼ cup Tomato pasta sauce
Finally, add the cooked orzo and fresh basil leaves and saute until combined.
2 to 3 tablespoon Fresh basil leaves
Serve warm or cold, and enjoy.

Video

Notes

Since the pasta is cooked in salted boiling water plus the sauce contains salt, I have not added any extra salt while sauteing tomatoes.
Use any pasta or pizza sauce, canned tomato sauce or paste, or even homemade fresh puree in the recipe. This makes your orzo coated in the sauce more delicious too.
You can add pasta seasoning, pepper powder or garlic powder if desired.
Fresh herbs work the best. You can substitute with dried ones if fresh ones are unavailable.
If you love mushrooms, saute 5 to 6 chopped mushrooms with garlic in the recipe to make it mushroom orzo.
Add some fresh seasonal vegetables like broccoli, spinach, capsicum or bell peppers, mushroom, or zucchini, to make this dish even more nutritious and healthier.
Cheese lover? Top it with creamy feta cheese or parmesan cheese.
Love some crunch in your orzo pasta, then add pine nuts and chopped walnuts.
You can also check out our favorite orzo recipe made using pesto, parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes and a simple and easy one pot lemon orzo.

Nutrition