Description
This Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish combining juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil pesto, tender orzo pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy oven-baked recipe makes for a perfect weeknight dinner featuring simple ingredients that come together in one pan, saving both time and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 2–3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1 (8 ounce) jar basil pesto
- 2–3 tablespoons sliced peperoncinis
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) to prepare for roasting and baking the ingredients in one dish.
- Roast tomatoes and aromatics: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, chopped garlic, shallot, fresh basil, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Place the dish in the oven and roast for 10 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add pasta and pesto: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the dry orzo pasta, basil pesto, and sliced peperoncinis directly to the pan. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and stir to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake orzo: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The orzo will absorb most of the water, becoming tender but still moist. Stir the pasta around gently to distribute the cooking evenly.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the orzo mixture. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If excess oil from the pesto accumulates on top, carefully drain it off.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using a 9×13 inch baking dish ensures even cooking and enough depth for the orzo and liquid.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them if you want a milder dish.
- Sliced peperoncinis add a tangy, mildly spicy flavor; substitute with banana peppers if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free small pasta shapes.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking to thicken the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Caprese, Pesto Orzo, One Pan Bake, Italian Pasta, Vegetarian Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil Pesto
