Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet
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Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet
This Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet captures all the beloved flavors of classic pizza in a warm, comforting one-pan meal. With savory tomato sauce, perfectly cooked orzo, and melty vegan cheese, it’s ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you crave a plant-based twist on a comfort food favorite.
I first dreamed up this vegan skillet while craving the deep, satisfying flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza but wanting something a bit lighter and entirely plant-based. The way the orzo soaks up the rich tomato sauce and the vegan cheese melts into gooey perfection never fails to remind me of family pizza nights, now made with a wholesome twist. I love serving this alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that everyone at the table enjoys.
It has become my go-to for last-minute gatherings or easy Sunday suppers, especially when I want to pair it with other one-pan wonders from the site, like my Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet for a spicy option or a cozy One-Pot Lasagna Soup. For a truly indulgent spread, it also goes beautifully with Homemade Pizza Rolls as a fun appetizer.
What Makes This Pizza Skillet Special
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: It offers the classic, crowd-pleasing taste of pizza in a wholesome, vegan format.
- Quick Weeknight Solution: From stovetop to table in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Totally Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings and spices to match your family’s favorite pizza style.
What You’ll Need for Your Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it provides a rich, fruity base flavor.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped and sautéed until soft for a sweet, savory foundation.
- Garlic: Minced and cooked briefly to release its aromatic, pungent essence.
- Crushed tomatoes: Forms the robust, tangy base of the pizza sauce.
- Dried oregano: Adds that classic, earthy pizza-parlor herb flavor.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Pizza dough: Cut into pieces, it puffs up into soft, doughy bites during cooking.
- Vegan mozzarella cheese: Shredded and melted on top for that essential gooey, cheesy finish.
- Black olives & pepperoncini peppers: Sliced for a briny, tangy, and slightly spicy topping.
- Fresh basil: Chopped and added at the end for a bright, aromatic freshness.
Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet
This 35-minute vegan pizza orzo skillet combines pizza dough pieces with zesty tomato sauce, melty vegan cheese, olives, and pepperoncini for an easy one-pan dinner.
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
- spatula
- oven
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 1 13.8-ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Gently place the 1-inch pieces of pizza dough on top of the simmering tomato sauce in a single layer, covering the surface. Do not stir.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the dough pieces are puffed and cooked through.
- Remove the lid and turn on the oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and top with black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh basil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Creative Ways to Customize This Dish
- Supreme Style: Add sautéed mushrooms, green bell peppers, and red onions with the olives.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce and use spicy vegan sausage.
- White Pizza Version: Substitute the tomato sauce with a vegan Alfredo or creamy garlic sauce.
My Pro Tips for Skillet Success
- Even Cooking: Arrange the dough pieces in a single layer without stirring to ensure they puff evenly.
- Watch the Broiler: Stay close while broiling the cheese, as vegan mozzarella can brown very quickly.
- Resting Time: Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Skillet Safety: Always use an oven-safe skillet and remember the handle will be extremely hot after broiling. For more one-pan inspiration, try my Sheet Pan Lasagna.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, splashing in a little water or tomato sauce to prevent drying out, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the onion and measure the dry spices a day in advance to speed up prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even small shell pasta work well as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose to ensure it cooks through properly.
What is the best vegan cheese for melting?
I find that shreds from brands like Miyoko’s or Violife tend to melt and brown the best for a skillet dish like this. They become wonderfully gooey under the broiler and have a pleasing texture that mimics traditional mozzarella.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to the standard pizza dough. To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and ensure your Orzo and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious alternative.
Can I add vegan meat toppings?
Absolutely. For a heartier dish, brown some crumbled vegan sausage or pepperoni in the skillet with the onions at the beginning. This adds a rich, savory depth that makes the skillet even more satisfying.
More Comforting Vegan Dinners
- Vegan Thai Red Curry
- Vegan Thanksgiving Pot Pie
- Vegan Stew with Dumplings
- Creamy Vegetable Casserole
Why This Vegan Pizza Skillet Wins
With its incredible fusion of pizza flavor and one-pan simplicity, this Vegan Pizza Orzo Skillet is a weeknight game-changer. It’s creamy, satisfying, and completely plant-based, making it a surefire hit for both family dinners and casual entertaining. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.
