Cherry Tomato and Garlic Orzo Recipe – Lebanese Special
Bright, fragrant, and satisfying, this cherry tomato garlic orzo combines juicy cherry tomatoes with aromatic garlic and fresh basil tossed through orzo cooked al dente. It shines as a vibrant side dish, but it’s hearty enough to serve as a light main course, especially with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Ready in about 30 minutes and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet special.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time30 min
Cherry Tomato and Garlic Orzo Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Cook the Orzo:
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Tomato and Garlic Mixture:
Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Add Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Combine Ingredients:
Add Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the tomato and garlic mixture. Toss to combine and heat through.
Season: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the chopped basil.
Finish and Serve:
Add Cheese: If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes:
To avoid mushy orzo, cook according to package directions and drain promptly; overcooking can make the dish lose texture.
Be careful of garlic browning—garlic turns bitter if it cooks too long or on too high heat; cook just until fragrant.
Choose your tomato variety wisely: grape tomatoes or other small, sweet types work if cherry tomatoes aren’t available.
This dish can be served warm or room temperature—both bring out flavors differently; warm brings more meld, room temp highlights freshness.
For more flavor, try herb variations—swap some basil for parsley or thyme for a different herbal note.
