Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t fret. Feel free to swap in what you have on hand. No Parmesan? A sprinkle of cheddar works wonders. Short on basil? A dash of dried Italian herbs will do the trick.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step always reminds me of my childhood kitchen, where garlic was the start of any great meal.
- Stir in the orzo and let it toast lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. This is the part where the magic happens—transforming a simple dish into something spectacular.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the smiles around the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Orzo dinner recipe, recipe, cooking, food