One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake Recipe
Dinner should be easy and delicious. This One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake Recipe is both. It combines fresh basil, tomatoes, and creamy cheese.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon for stirring.
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta.
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
- 2 cloves garlic minced.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Grease your baking dish lightly.
- Add orzo, broth, and garlic to the pan. Stir in the pesto and olive oil.
- Drop the halved cherry tomatoes into the mix. Season everything with salt and pepper.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and brown.
Notes
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
- Freshly grated cheese melts much better than bagged cheese.
- If the orzo looks dry, add a splash of water.
- Let the dish rest for five minutes after baking.
- This helps the sauce thicken up nicely.