Description

This One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a warm and bubbly dish made with tender orzo pasta, melty mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and herby basil pesto. Everything bakes together in one pan for a simple and satisfying meal with minimal mess.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet, combine the orzo, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from oven, stir in the pesto, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the top, if desired.

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Add cooked chicken, sausage, or white beans for extra protein.
Swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a bolder flavor.
Use whole wheat orzo for a fiber boost.