Why make this recipe

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and convenience. It brings together the classic ingredients of a caprese salad—ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese—into a hearty pasta bake. The best part? Everything cooks in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Additionally, the combination of basil pesto adds a rich taste that elevates the dish without requiring complicated preparations.

How to make Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

Creating this delicious dish is straightforward, making it accessible for even the novice cook. Below, we’ll dive into the ingredients you will need and provide clear, concise instructions to guide you through the process.

Ingredients

To make the Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake, you will need the following ingredients:

2-3 cups cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 shallot, chopped
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Chili flakes (to taste)

Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 pound dry orzo pasta
1 (8-ounce) jar basil pesto

2-3 tablespoons sliced peperoncinis
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400° F (200° C).
Prepare the roasting mixture: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, chopped garlic, shallots, fresh basil, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix them well and roast them in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and makes the tomatoes juicy.
Combine ingredients: After 10 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven. To the roasted mixture, add the dry orzo, basil pesto, and sliced peperoncinis. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water. Stir everything until well combined.

Bake the orzo: Put the baking dish back in the oven and bake it for 12-15 minutes. The goal here is for most of the water to cook into the pasta, but not all of it.
Add cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir it around gently. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling.
Final touches: If there is an excess of oil from the pesto on top, drain it off gently. Finally, garnish your dish with some fresh basil leaves before serving.

How to serve Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

This dish is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a main course, or pair it with a simple green salad for a light meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil or a balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor. This versatile dish also makes an excellent leftover for lunch the next day!

How to store Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

If you have leftovers, you can store your Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to make Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your tomatoes and basil, the better your dish will taste. Look for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes.

Flavor adjustments: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your preference. You can add more chili flakes for a spicier kick, or use other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.
Cheese choices: While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Cook time: Keep an eye on your dish as it bakes. Cooking times can vary slightly based on your oven.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish based on your taste. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. For a heartier dish, you can mix in cooked chicken or sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more veggies. You can also replace the orzo with another type of pasta if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, or you could use regular pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary. Always check the pasta’s cooking instructions.

2. What if I don’t have fresh basil?

If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use only about 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, combine everything and follow the baking instructions.

With these steps, you’ll make a delightful Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake that is not just flavorful but also very simple to prepare. Enjoy your cooking!

Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

Print Recipe

A delightful one-pan pasta bake featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all combined with basil pesto for a rich flavor.

Author: Alexandra Roa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course

Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C).

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, chopped garlic, shallots, fresh basil, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Roast for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add the dry orzo, basil pesto, and sliced peperoncinis to the roasted mixture. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and stir until well combined.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until most of the water is absorbed by the pasta.

Stir gently, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Drain excess oil if necessary, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients and customize spices to taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g

Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g

Fiber: 4g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: one pan, caprese, pesto, pasta, bake, vegetarian