Orzo with Tomatoes, Basil, and Gorgonzola

Toasted orzo pasta is simmered with garlic, then tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and gorgonzola cheese in this delicious Italian-inspired side dish.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 460 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 leaves fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the orzo pasta; cook and stir until the orzo has lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the onion, and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 1 clove of garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cover; simmer until the orzo is tender yet still a little firm to the bite, 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, 1/2 of the fresh basil, garlic, and remaining olive oil.

Step 3

Spoon the cooked orzo into a serving bowl. Top with tomato mixture, and sprinkle with Gorgonzola and remaining basil.