This comforting and cozy side dish is also versatile and delicious. The tomato and basil flavors blend with the tender orzo and lots of Parmesan. Add some rotisserie chicken, mini meatballs or shrimp to make it a one dish meal. It’s a simple, but hearty meal that I often serve with my Meatball Parmigiana.
CHEESY TOMATO BASIL BAKED ORZO serves 4-6
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
16 ounces uncooked orzo
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon FRESH and FINELY chopped basil
2 cups homemade beef or chicken bone stock
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella or Italian blend cheeses
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Crushed red pepper, for garnish
FRESH chopped basil, for garnish
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Melt butter in an oven safe skillet.
- Stir in orzo and garlic with the basil and FRESH ground salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often to toast orzo.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the chicken stock and the marinara sauce, stirring well.
- Place the skillet in the oven for 12-15 minutes until MOST of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the remaining stock and 1 cup of the cheese, stirring to mix in.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to the oven for 10 minutes more.
