One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake
One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a quick and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dinner made with tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil pesto. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavor with minimal cleanup in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra pesto drizzle
- Olive oil drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo pasta and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and mix gently.
- Stir in the basil pesto until the orzo is evenly coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the oven and add the mozzarella balls on top.
- Return the pan to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese softens and slightly melts.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Orzo absorbs liquid quickly, so ensure there is enough broth for proper cooking.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cream before serving.
- Fresh basil adds the classic Caprese flavor, so try not to skip it.
- Leftovers can be refreshed with a splash of broth when reheating.