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Laughing Spatula / Recipe Index / Side Dishes / Tomato Orzo

Tomato Orzo

By Kathi & Rachel

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This is as simple orzo recipe made in one pan, that only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s easy and flavorful, and topping it with a little bit of cheese and basil makes it *chef’s kiss* perfection! Tomato Orzo will be your new favorite go to!

skillet pan full of tomato orzo garnished with mozzarella and basil

Ingredients Needed to Make Tomato Orzo

This recipe is really simple and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry! I recommend buying the best diced tomatoes you can for optimal flavor.

  • Olive oil 
  • Onions
  • Garlic
    • If you don’t have fresh, granulated will work in a pinch.
  • Orzo 
  • Diced Petite Tomatoes (canned)
    • Drain the juice into a measuring cup, we’ll use it to cook the orzo!
  • Water 
  • Shredded Mozzarella 
    • Optional, for garnish.
  • Basil Leaves 
    • Optional, for garnish. 

toasting orzo in pan with onions and olive oil

How to Make Tomato Orzo

This is a super simple method to cooking orzo and giving it great flavor! I like it because the flavor of the tomato really shines but without being overpowering. It’s just simple, fresh, and delicious…just how we like our recipes.

  • Add olive oil to pan.
  • Add chopped onions. Saute until translucent. Add garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Add orzo, and sauté until golden brown.
  • While the orzo is sautéing, drain the canned tomatoes into a measuring cup. Add enough water to equal 2 cups total liquid.
  • Stir tomatoes into orzo, and add water/tomato liquid. Cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low.
  • Stir orzo every 5 minutes (it can get starchy and may stick to pan, keep an eye on it).
  • Once orzo is fully cooked, remove from heat. 
  • Garnish with shredded mozzarella and basil if desired. Enjoy!

tomato orzo in a pan before garnishing

We are famous for our Orzo recipes, here’s more like it!

  • Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet
  • Pesto Orzo Salad
  • Greek Orzo Salad
  • Easy Chicken Orzo
  • 20 Minute Orzo Shrimp Dinner
  • Creamy  Orzo Chicken Dinner with Mushrooms

LET’S EAT!

Kathi and Rachel

What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!

skillet pan full of tomato orzo garnished with mozzarella and basil

Tomato Orzo

This easy recipe comes together quickly with loads of tomato flavor making it the perfect quick and impressive side dish or main course!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped garlic (use 1/2 tsp granulated if fresh is not available)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 14 oz can of petite diced tomatoes (drain & save liquid)
  • 1.5 cups water

Instructions

  • Add olive oil to pan on medium high heat. Add chopped onions. Saute until translucent. Add orzo, salt, pepper and garlic, and sauté for additional 2-3 minutes.
  • While the orzo is sautéing, drain the canned tomatoes into a measuring cup. Add enough water to equal 2 cups total liquid. Set aside.
  • Stir drained tomatoes into orzo mixture, and add water/tomato liquid. Cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low.
  • Stir orzo every 5 minutes (it can get starchy and may stick to pan, keep an eye on it). 
  • Once orzo is fully cooked, remove from heat. Garnish with shredded mozzarella and basil if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
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Filed Under: One Pot, Pasta, Side Dishes, Vegetables

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