Orzo with Balsamic Tomatoes and Basil
Remember back to those Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes and Onions that I posted a few weeks ago? In that post I said that I started using the tomatoes in some dishes. This Orzo with Balsamic Tomatoes and Basil is one of the dishes that I regularly use those yummy tomatoes in. I love the fresh and bold flavors of the balsamic and basil in this.
I’ve made this Orzo dish several times. It’s great for lunches; I just throw in a little tofu or chicken (for the husband). I love the lunch containers like you see in the photo above. Either glass or ceramic, they don’t stain or discolor the way plastic ones do. I have a bunch of these containers now, and we use them all the time. I also like that they’re sturdier, so it feels like more of a special treat as you eat lunch, and not just some boring old thing.
This Orzo with Balsamic Tomatoes and Basil is also great as a quick and easy side dish for dinner.
The recipe is a great starting place as well. I’ve added some sautéed mushrooms to the mix on occasion. You could toss in some Parmesan cheese as well. Add in your family’s favorite veggies. It’s all good.
Orzo Pasta with Balsamic Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Orzo with Balsamic Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- ¾ cup orzo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic roasted tomatoes and onions
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ teaspoon powdered garlic
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to pan. Add tomatoes, pine nuts, and garlic powder; cook 2 minutes. Stir in orzo, basil, pepper, and salt.
Notes
(for printing reference) Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes and Onions: https://lifecurrentsblog.com/balsamic-roasted-tomatoes-onions/ Adapted from Cooking Light
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
I’ve never tried orzo before. This looks so good though!
This Orzo looks divine. I have a box of it in my pantry. We have been looking for recipes to get us out of our supper slump. Thanks for the tip.
That looks soooo yummy. I love rice.
Actually, RockyMountainSavings, orzo is pasta and not rice. They look pretty similar but taste totally different. And, I like how easy it is to eat this pasta, not messy like spaghetti!
It looks good to me. I’ve never tried Orzo, but I’d like to… bet I’d love it too.
Yummers, Debi! As a veggie, I’m totally drooling! Pinned! 🙂 Anna
This must feel and taste good in the mouth. You took a beautiful photo and it makes me crave. I love the combination of fresh and dry spices you used.
I’ve never had Orzo but this dish looks tasty! Especially with the Pine Nuts, they’re my favorite.
that looks so good. i’m bookmarking it
I love Orzo. Looks incredible!
i definitely need to be cooking with orzo more.. i love it!
ORZO WITH BALSAMIC TOMATOES AND BASIL looks tempting and delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe, will definitely try this one
Oh that looks fantastic. I have to show it to my son
I cannot get enough of roasted tomatoes right now, Debi. I keep buying tomatoes at the farm stands and then my neighbour gives me her homegrown ones. I’m desperately looking for ways to eat them up (a girl can only eat so much tomato toast!). Love orzo! I really like the texture it has, especially for a light summer dish. These looks fabulous and mouthwatering, as always. And have a great vacay 😉
Oh, Debi! I don’t know if I can adequately convey how ridiculously excited I am about this recipe! I love, love pretty much everything about it … orzo (for some reason I have a special affection for this pasta shape!), summery balsamic tomatoes, fresh basil … the yumminess just goes on and on! Totally pinning (and wishing that this was gonna be my dinner)! 😀