Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
Description
The recipe starts by melting butter and toasting orzo with minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper in an oven-safe skillet. Adding chicken stock and marinara sauce nourishes the orzo as it bakes uncovered, absorbing liquid and developing a tender consistency. Stirring midway ensures even cooking.
More stock and grated mozzarella cheese are stirred in before topping the orzo with additional cheese and baking until bubbly. Parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper provide a savory, slightly spicy topping that adds aroma and complexity to the dish.
This baked orzo can serve as a comforting side or a vegetarian main dish when paired with salad or roasted vegetables. Its creamy, cheesy nature and tomato-basil flavor profile give a well-rounded, approachable taste suited for various occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 16 ounces orzo
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheeses, grated
- Parmesan Cheese for topping
- crushed red pepper for topping
- basil for topping, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet or dutch oven. Stir in the orzo and the garlic with the basil and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the orzo for a few minutes, stirring often, to toast it.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups of the stock and the marinara sauce. Stir well. Place the skillet in the oven, uncovered, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove the skillet and stir the orzo. Add the remaining ½ cup of stock. Stir in 1 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top. Stick the skillet back in the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Remove the skillet and top with parmesan, fresh basil and crushed red pepper before serving.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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