One-Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake Recipe for Easy Entertaining

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this one pan caprese pesto orzo bake that combines vibrant summer ingredients into a single delightful dish.

Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes create an aromatic backdrop for creamy cheese and tender pasta.

Italian culinary traditions shine through every delectable bite of this simple yet elegant meal.

Melted mozzarella stretches luxuriously across perfectly cooked orzo, promising a comforting experience.

Herbs and garlic infuse each spoonful with incredible depth and complexity.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this effortless Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake That’s Bursting with Taste

• Prepare an entire meal in just one pan, saving precious time on dishes and kitchen cleanup.
• Combines kid-friendly orzo with cheesy goodness and bright tomato flavors that everyone will love.
• From start to finish, this recipe takes under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.

Must-Have Ingredients for Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a creamy texture.

• Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and adds depth of flavor to the orzo.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth, rich base and enhances overall taste.

• Pesto: Adds vibrant herbal and nutty notes with basil and garlic base.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and elevating dish flavors.

• Shredded Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and provides rich, smooth texture.
• Parmesan: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complex, nutty undertones.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy burst of freshness that complements the cheesy orzo.

Instructions for One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.

Step 2: Create the Orzo Base

• Orzo pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Pesto sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix all ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Initial Baking

Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and cook evenly.

Step 4: Check Orzo Consistency

Remove the foil and stir the orzo. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layer

• Shredded mozzarella
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Top the dish with fresh mozzarella pearls and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the skillet to the oven, this time uncovered. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.

Step 7: Optional Golden Finish

For a beautiful golden top, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

One Pan Orzo Bake Tips for Great Results

• Select the Right Skillet: Use a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish to ensure even cooking and easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
• Perfect Liquid Ratio: Maintain the correct broth-to-orzo proportion to achieve creamy, tender pasta without becoming dry or mushy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add shredded mozzarella first to create a creamy base, then top with fresh mozzarella pearls for a beautiful, golden finish.
• Customize Your Pesto: Experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato, spinach, or homemade basil pesto to vary the flavor profile.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular mozzarella for plant-based cheese and use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian or gluten-free friendly.

Keep Your Orzo Bake Fresh for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Revive the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Foods to Pair with Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

• Pair this creamy orzo dish with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the rich mozzarella and pesto without overpowering delicate flavors.
• Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the cheesy richness and add a zesty, green contrast.
• Add grilled chicken breast or pan-seared white fish like halibut to transform the orzo into a complete, satisfying meal with balanced protein.
• Complement the dish with bruschetta topped with fresh basil and tomatoes to echo the Caprese elements and enhance the Mediterranean profile.

Creative Versions of One Pan Caprese Orzo Bake

• Gluten-Free Quinoa Caprese Bake: Replace orzo with quinoa for a gluten-free option, maintaining the same cooking method and ingredients.
• Vegan Mediterranean Veggie Bake: Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted zucchini and eggplant for extra flavor.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Caprese Orzo: Add diced grilled chicken breast before baking for a protein-rich meal, keeping the original pesto and tomato base.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap orzo with cauliflower rice to create a low-carbohydrate alternative that still captures the essence of the original recipe.

Questions About Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake?

• Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure proper liquid absorption.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious cheese and vegetable flavors. Just ensure your broth and pesto are vegetarian.

• How spicy is this dish?

This Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is not spicy at all. It has mild, herbal flavors from pesto and fresh ingredients. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This is a beginner-friendly one-pan recipe that requires minimal cooking techniques. Just mix ingredients, bake, and enjoy a delicious meal with simple steps.

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caprese pesto orzo bake delivers Mediterranean magic in a single pan, blending Italian flavors with creamy comfort. Juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and herbaceous pesto create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Grains:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters / 12 ounces) dry orzo pasta

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls or slices
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (600 milliliters) vegetable broth or chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warmth the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for a bubbling, cheesy dish.
2. In a spacious oven-safe skillet, orchestrate a harmonious blend of orzo, vibrant cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, savory broth, verdant pesto, silky olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, gently mixing to ensure every grain is coated.
3. Envelop the skillet with a protective foil shield and nestle into the preheated oven for a transformative 20-minute cooking journey.
4. Carefully unveil the foil and tenderly stir the orzo, confirming that most liquid has been absorbed and the pasta has reached a delectable tenderness.
5. Introduce shredded mozzarella and half the Parmesan, stirring to create a creamy, integrated texture, then crown the dish with fresh mozzarella pearls and the remaining Parmesan.
6. Return the skillet to the oven, now uncovered, and allow the cheese to melt and bubble enticingly for 10-12 minutes.
7. For an optional golden-brown finale, activate the broiler and let the top caramelize for a brief 1-2 minutes, creating an irresistible crispy finish.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop garlic and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Liquid Adjustment: Customize broth quantity based on orzo package instructions for perfect texture, preventing dry or overly soggy results.
• Cheese Flexibility: Swap fresh mozzarella with shredded or block cheese options to accommodate dietary preferences or pantry availability.
• Vegetable Variations: Enhance nutritional value by adding spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and flavor depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg