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Easy One-Pan Couscous Recipe with Garlic Tomato Basil Magic That Impresses

easy one-pan couscous recipe - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pan couscous dish featuring garlic, tomato, and fresh basil, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 10.5 oz)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (16 fl oz)
  • 1 cup instant couscous (6 oz)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  3. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and juices release, about 5 minutes.
  4. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, a pinch of black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  5. Pour in 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in 1 cup instant couscous, remove from heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid or foil, and let steam for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and ½ cup torn fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Do not stir couscous while steaming for fluffy texture. Add fresh basil last to preserve flavor. For gluten-free, substitute couscous with quinoa or millet and adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly. Pre-cooked proteins like chickpeas or chicken can be added at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, couscous, garlic, tomato, basil, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, vegetarian, comfort food