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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warmth the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for a bubbling, cheesy dish.
- 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.
- Envelop the skillet with a protective foil shield and nestle into the preheated oven for a transformative 20-minute cooking journey.
- Carefully unveil the foil and tenderly stir the orzo, confirming that most liquid has been absorbed and the pasta has reached a delectable tenderness.
- 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.
- Return the skillet to the oven, now uncovered, and allow the cheese to melt and bubble enticingly for 10-12 minutes.
- 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