One Pan Orzo With Tuna Tomatoes Recipe

I recently stumbled upon this orzo and tuna dish and decided to give it a whirl; the way the garlic, cherry tomatoes and zesty lemon mingle together practically transformed my everyday dinner into an adventure, even if my stirring sometimes got a little messy!

My one pan orzo with tuna tomatoes recipe is my go-to meal for balanced nutrition. Protein-rich tuna and vitamin-packed cherry tomatoes mix with garlic, olive oil, lemon and chicken broth to create a hearty dish I love for its flavor and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: provides abundant carbohydrates to fuel your meal and keep you satisfied.
• Olive oil: rich in healthy fats that add flavor and support a good heart.
• Garlic: boosts flavor with a punch of antioxidants and a little spicy kick.
• Cherry tomatoes: bursting with vitamins and fiber, they bring natural sweetness and tartness.
• Tuna: lean protein that adds robust flavor and makes the dish more filling.
• Lemon: contributes bright acidity with zesty, tangy notes to balance the dish.
• Chicken broth: infuses juiciness and savory depth while cooking the orzo evenly.
• Red pepper flakes: add subtle heat that awakens the overall taste experience.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until it smells really good but don’t let it burn.

3. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

4. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta making sure its all coated with the oil and tomatoes.

5. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth then bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Cover the pan loosely and let it cook for around 10 minutes or until the orzo is nearly al dente; stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

7. Gently fold in the 5oz can of flaked tuna ensuring it blends in well without breaking up too much.

8. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon then mix everything together.

9. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.

10. Remove from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pan for cooking the sauce and pasta
2. Stove to heat the pan
3. Knife to mince the garlic
4. Cutting board for prepping the garlic and tomatoes
5. Measuring spoons for the olive oil and red pepper flakes
6. Measuring cups for the orzo and broth
7. Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
8. Can opener for the tuna
9. Citrus juicer or a fork for squeezing the lemon
10. Zester or grater for the lemon zest

FAQ

• Q: What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
  A: It uses orzo pasta. This pasta looks like rice and is great at soaking up all the flavors.
• Q: Can I substitute the tuna with another protein?
  A: Sure, you can try using salmon or even chickpeas if you want a different twist. Just remember the flavor will change.
• Q: Do I have to use cherry tomatoes?
  A: Not at all. You can use other types of tomatoes but cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor that we all love.
• Q: How spicy is this dish?
  A: Its mildly spicy thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can totally leave them out if you prefer no heat at all.
• Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
  A: Unfortunately, no. It has tuna and chicken broth. You’d need to find vegan substitutes for those if you want a plant-based version.

One Pan Orzo With Tuna Tomatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the orzo pasta, try using small shell pasta or even quinoa if you want a different texture.
• If you dont have olive oil, avocado oil could work great or even a mild coconut oil for a subtle twist.
• Instead of fresh garlic, you could use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder which gives a similar flavor.
• If cherry tomatoes are hard to find, diced plum tomatoes or regular tomatoes work pretty well for this dish.
• If you dont have tuna in olive oil, canned salmon or sardines can be an interesting alternative protein source.

Pro Tips

1. You can try lightly toasting the orzo in the pan before adding the broth – it’ll give it a nice, toasty, nutty flavor that really elevates the dish.
2. Be careful with the tuna – gently fold it in so you dont end up breaking it into tiny pieces. Keeping it chunky adds a great texture contrast to the smooth pasta.
3. If you really love that fresh, zesty kick, add a little extra lemon juice after mixing everything together; it helps brighten up all the flavors even more.
4. When cooking the garlic and tomatoes, keep an eye on ’em to make sure the garlic doesnt burn, and don’t be afraid to adjust salt and pepper as you go for the perfect balance.