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This easy One Pot Tomato Orzo Recipe is perfect for busy weeknight meals. It's flavorful, satisfying, and it's ready in 30 minutes or less! Your family will love it!
Life is busy and most of us are looking for quick, easy, and filling meals to feed our families. However, that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice taste.
Simple meals can be full of flavor! This One-Pot Tomato Orzo Recipe fits the bill and will make your weeknight complete.
Plus, it'll be on your table in no time! I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so I'm a big fan of 30-minute meals. They're anything, but boring!
We get to enjoy Portobello Vegan Fajitas, Hearty Soups, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Salads, Mac n' Cheese, and many one-pot meals.
Is orzo rice or pasta?
Orzo looks like rice, but it's actually wheat-based pasta that is shaped like rice. So, you can't interchange them in many recipes because they cook up differently.
Ingredients neededs for Tomato Orzo
- The star of the show is the Orzo!
- For the base, you'll need Olive Oil, Garlic, Dried Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper and White Wine.
- To make the sauce, you'll need Diced Tomatoes, Vegetable Broth, and Salt.
- Finish with Capers and Fresh Basil or Parsley. That's it!
How to make Tomato Orzo in One Pot
- 1 - Heat oil in a large skillet/pot over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic is lightly golden.
- 2 - Add the orzo and stir to coat. Give the orzo a few minutes to lightly toast. Stir occasionally.
- 3 - Pour in the wine and cook until the liquid mostly cooks off.
- 4 - Now add the diced tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes.
- 5 - Add the broth and salt. Cover and gently simmer until liquid has mostly cooked down and orzo is tender. Uncover the last few minutes of cook time.
- 6 - Remove from heat and stir in the capers and fresh basil. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed. Let the orzo sit uncovered for 1-2 minutes. This will give it time to thicken up.
Success Tips
- To make this kid-friendly, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
- The wine can be omitted if you don't have it - just skip the step entirely.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Don't simmer too high or the liquid will cook down before the orzo is finished cooking.
Serving Ideas
Tomato Orzo goes well with Vegan Caesar Salad, a big piece of Artisan Bread, and a glass of white wine. Top it with Vegan Parmesan, fresh-cracked pepper, and more fresh basil or parsley.
MORE ONE POT MEALS TO ENJOY:
I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you make this One Pot Tomato Orzo Recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.
One Pot Tomato Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic , minced
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta , uncooked
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes , canned
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth , low sodium
- 3 tablespoons capers
- ½ cup fresh basil , chopped (sub with parsley)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is light golden brown.
- Add the orzo and stir to coat well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo and incorporate flavors. Move around occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until the liquid mostly cooks down. About 1-2 minutes.
- Now add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth and salt. Turn heat up to get it boiling. Once boiling, turn heat down to maintain a low simmer. Cover and cook for 7-10 minutes or until liquid has mostly cooked down and orzo is tender. Stir often to prevent sticking and uncover the last few minutes of cook time.
- Remove from heat and add the capers and fresh basil. Stir to combine. Taste for seasoning and add more if needed. Let the orzo sit uncovered for 1-2 minutes. This will give it time to thicken up. Serve with vegan parmesan and fresh-cracked pepper. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The wine can be omitted if you don't have it on hand. Just skip the step entirely. If you need to deglaze the pan a bit while the orzo is toasting, just splash a little bit of vegetable broth in the pan.
- To make this recipe kid-friendly, omit the crushed red pepper.
Linda
My family enjoy this dish immensely.
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi Linda! We are so happy to hear that! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Laura Lazar
Amazing taste, what a great recipe!! Thank you!
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi Laura! Thanks so much for trying out the recipe, we are so happy to loved it!
Linda
This was delicious! Although a bit on the hot side for me (I may half the crushed chilli next time) but for my spouse who loves spicy food found it perfect! The texture is creamy and reminds me of Risotto. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Linda, I'm so glad it was a hit in your home. I think taking down the crushed peppers to 1/4 teaspoon may work for you. Then your hubby can add more after. Thanks for giving it a try 🙂
Linda
My kids loved it even though I added the red pepper. Great and easy recipe. I had to cook my orzo about 10 mins longer but will definitely be making it again.
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi Linda! We are so happy to hear that you and your kids loved the recipe and that you will be making it again! Thanks so much for giving it a try 🙂
Krissy
This dish was AMAZING! Can’t wait to make it again. So flavorful and delicious.
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi Krissy! We're so happy to hear that you love it, thank you so much!
Brett-Ashley
This was absolutely perfect! This dish was quick, easy and comforting. We served it with a simple side of steamed broccoli. We will definitely be adding this into our regular rotation. Thank you!
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing, we are so happy you loved it!
Mindy Richmond
Have you made this in the instant pot? I’m not sure how to convert the cooking time.
Melissa Huggins
Hi Mindy, No, I haven't tried it in the IP yet. I'll have to experiment. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Pam
Can you skip the capers or are they important? Never used them before!
Melissa Huggins
Sure, you can omit them. They just add extra flavor, but not necessary. 😀
Sophie
This is an absolute favourite recipe of mine. SO easy and SO delicious.
Also easy to substitute the wine for stock and lil dash of sugar and lemon juice!
Support @ Vegan Huggs
Hi Sophie! We're so glad you love the recipe and that those substitutions worked out! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Sarah
Went down well with the whole family. Will definitely cook again!
Melissa Huggins
I'm so glad it was a family favorite. Thank you for giving it a try. 🙂
Jenny
I made this tonight and my family loved it! Definitely a keeper! Thanks for sharing it!
Melissa Huggins
You're most welcome! I'm so glad everyone loved it. Thank you! 🙂
Shelley
I love one dish recipes. This one was easy and delicious and I had all the ingredients on hand (that rarely happens!). It disappeared fast. This one will be made over and over again...very good!!
Melissa Huggins
This is such a nice compliment! I love when I have all the ingredients on hand too. Thank you for giving it a try 🙂
Victoria
I'm in love! It was so quick to make. All the recipes I've afe are just a delicious. Thank you.
John
This looks absolutely delicious! I am making this for dinner tonight.
Melissa Huggins
Yay! Thank you, John! Enjoy! 🙂
Paula
Pictures look delish! Im confused, your ingredient list calls for orzo pasta but your instructions (before and after the list of ingredients) reference rice. Can either be used?
Melissa Huggins
OMG! That was totally my mistake. Thank you for catching that. I always do that with orzo because it looks like rice. Have a great weekend!
Christine Scalfo
This recipe is right up my alley. Looks and sounds delish! Can't wait to try it.
Melissa Huggins
Thank you so much! Have a lovely week 🙂