One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake Recipe

When it comes to making dinner easy, delicious, and totally satisfying, this One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a winner! Picture this: tender orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, all nestled together in a rich, flavorful pesto sauce, then baked to perfection. The best part? You only need one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. This dish is an absolute game-changer, combining the classic Caprese flavors with the creaminess of pesto for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be your new go-to weeknight recipe!

Why You’ll Love One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in just one pan, making it super easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
• Flavor Explosion: The combo of pesto, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in no time.
• Customizable: Love garlic? Add a little more. Prefer a spicier dish? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes great leftovers, so it’s perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:

• Orzo pasta (uncooked)
• Fresh mozzarella balls (cut into small pieces)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• Pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)
• Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this one-pan magic going!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a large oven-safe pan or baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

In the prepared pan, combine the orzo with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour in enough water to cover the orzo by about an inch (or follow the directions on the orzo package for baking). Cover the pan with foil or a lid and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the water is absorbed.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the pesto sauce to coat the pasta, and then add the fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of chopped basil. Mix everything together gently to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. The tomatoes will soften and burst, creating a gorgeous, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy, sweet kick. Garnish with extra basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake warm, straight from the pan, and enjoy all that cheesy, pesto goodness. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or just when you’re craving something comforting yet vibrant.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 30mg
  Sodium: 550mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 44g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 15g
  Vitamin A: 12% DV
  Vitamin C: 25% DV
  Calcium: 25% DV
  Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the pesto orzo.
• With Garlic Bread: For a true comfort meal, serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up any leftover pesto sauce.
• With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you’d like to add some extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would complement this dish beautifully.
• As a Main Dish or Side: This recipe works wonderfully as a main dish for a vegetarian dinner or as a side dish to pair with grilled meats.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce or sprinkle them over the top of the dish before baking.
• Use Store-Bought Pesto: If you’re in a hurry, store-bought pesto works just fine. You can even use a vegan or dairy-free pesto to make this dish completely plant-based.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other veggies—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would all work well in this dish.
• Leftovers: This dish stores beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven for best results.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with any other small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the orzo and pesto mixture the day before, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store it covered in the fridge and bake it the next day.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A3: Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, you can easily add it to the orzo bake. Just stir it in along with the mozzarella and tomatoes.

Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes, simply swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available that will work well in this recipe.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover orzo bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture nice and fresh.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
A7: Yes, you can swap mozzarella with any cheese that melts well, such as provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for a different flavor.

Q8: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A8: You can use dried basil if fresh isn’t available, but fresh basil really brings out the best flavors in this dish. You can also try adding fresh parsley for a different herbaceous kick.

Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Yes! You can make it dairy-free by using a dairy-free pesto, and you can skip the mozzarella and Parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives.

Q10: What should I serve with this dish?
A10: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more hearty meal.

Conclusion

This One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is the ultimate easy, flavorful, and comforting meal. It brings together all the best ingredients in one pan, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab that pan and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!

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