One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake: A Fresh, Easy Twist on Classic Italian Flavors

There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that brings summer’s best flavors together with the ease of a one-pan meal. I remember the first time I made this One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake on a busy Tuesday night—it felt like a hug in a bowl. The bubbling mozzarella, basil pesto, and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes wafted through my kitchen, instantly lifting my mood. It was effortless yet tasted like something from a cozy Italian bistro.

If you’re looking for a way to turn pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients into a weeknight wonder, this one-pan caprese Pesto Orzo Bake will check all the boxes. It’s creamy, herby, cheesy, and rich with tomato flavor yet refreshingly light thanks to basil and fresh mozzarella. Best of all, everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

What Is a One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake?

A one-pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a comforting baked pasta dish inspired by the Italian Caprese salad. It combines short orzo pasta with basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in a creamy base that bakes perfectly in one dish. The “one-pan” aspect means less cleanup and more flavor, as everything melds together while cooking in the oven.

The dish takes the simple components of caprese—tomato, basil, mozzarella—and enhances them with garlic, herbs, and the tender bite of orzo. It’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Flavor-Packed Orzo Recipe

This dish stands out not just for its simplicity but also for how well the ingredients work together. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• One pan = less cleanup and no boiling water for the pasta
• Versatile: Add proteins or use different veggies based on what you have
• Perfectly balanced: Rich, cheesy, and creamy without being heavy
• Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats like a dream
• Family-approved: Even picky eaters love it

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe offers wholesome and indulgent comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick breakdown of what goes into your one-pan caprese Pesto Orzo Bake. Keep in mind that you can make substitutions depending on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.

You can find quality pesto options at most grocery stores or make your own using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan. Want to try making it? Here’s a homemade pesto recipe.

How to Make One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add your uncooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and a generous spoonful of pesto in a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Step 2: Add Liquids

Pour in the vegetable broth and a splash of heavy cream if desired. Stir everything to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, stir again, and nestle the mozzarella balls into the orzo. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Tips for Cooking Orzo in One Pan Without Overcooking

Getting the texture right can be tricky if you’ve never baked orzo. These tips will help you avoid mushy results:

• Use enough liquid: Aim for a 2:1 ratio of broth to orzo
• Cover tightly: Steam cooks the orzo evenly
• Stir once midway if possible to prevent sticking
• Don’t overbake: Orzo should be tender but not soggy
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the starches to thicken

Best Store-Bought vs Homemade Pesto: Which Works Better?

Pesto is the heart of this dish, so its quality matters. Depending on your needs, both store-bought and homemade pesto can work beautifully.

Store-Bought Pesto

• Convenient and consistent
• Great when you’re short on time
• Look for refrigerated brands with simple ingredients like basil, olive oil, and parmesan.

Homemade Pesto

• Fresher and more aromatic
• Allows customization (try walnuts instead of pine nuts)
• Ideal when basil is in season

If you’ve got a few extra minutes, making a quick pesto from scratch elevates the flavors and gives the dish a more personal touch.

Caprese Variations: Additions Like Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu

Want to make it more filling or add protein? Here are some popular twists:

• Grilled Chicken: Add pre-cooked, sliced chicken before baking
• Shrimp: Sauté briefly and stir in halfway through baking
• Tofu: Cube and marinate in pesto before mixing in
• Spinach or Zucchini: Toss in a handful of chopped greens or squash for added texture and color

These options make your One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake even more satisfying and adaptable to dietary preferences.

Make It Ahead: Meal Prep and Reheating Tips

This dish stores and reheats like a champ. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storage:

• Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions with a splash of broth to loosen
• Or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes

It’s an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or a no-fuss dinner later in the week.

What to Serve with a Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake

This rich, cheesy bake pairs well with lighter sides to balance the meal:

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic green beans or roasted asparagus
• Crusty bread or warm focaccia
• Sparkling lemonade or chilled white wine

Storing Leftovers: Refrigeration and Freezing Guidelines

Proper storage ensures your orzo bake stays delicious even after a few days.

Refrigerator:

• Lasts 3–4 days in a sealed container
• Best if consumed within 48 hours for maximum freshness

Freezer:

• Freeze in portions up to 1 month
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above

Avoid freezing if using fresh mozzarella—it may change texture when thawed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Baked Orzo Dishes

Even simple recipes have their pitfalls. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them:

• Not enough liquid: Leads to dry or undercooked orzo
• Overbaking: Causes mushy pasta
• Skipping the stir: May result in uneven texture
• Low-quality pesto: Makes the dish flat instead of flavorful

Nutrition Breakdown: Is Caprese Pesto Orzo Healthy?

This dish is indulgent but can still be included in a balanced diet, especially with smart swaps (like light cream or whole wheat orzo).

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Nutrition may vary based on brand and portion size.

If you’ve been craving something comforting, colorful, and straightforward, this One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake deserves a spot in your rotation. With minimal cleanup, flexible ingredients, and tons of flavor, it combines the warmth of a baked pasta with the bright, summery notes of Caprese salad. One pan. One oven. One perfect meal.

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake: A Fresh, Easy Twist on Classic Italian Flavors

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, cheesy one-pan pasta dish baked with orzo, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil pesto. This easy Caprese-inspired recipe delivers comforting Italian flavor with minimal cleanup—perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella balls (“ciliegine” or torn)

• ⅓ cup basil pesto

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth

• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh basil, for garnish

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, garlic, pesto, broth, and cream in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Stir to mix evenly.

• Season with salt and pepper, then cover tightly with foil.

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

• Uncover, stir gently, and add mozzarella and parmesan on top.

• Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Let it sit 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use homemade or high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

Substitute mozzarella with fontina or provolone if desired.

For added protein, stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Refrigerates well for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked, One-Pan
• Cuisine: Italian American

Keywords: one pan recipes, baked pasta, caprese orzo, pesto dinner, mozzarella bake, easy weeknight meals, vegetarian comfort food, orzo recipes, basil pesto, family-friendly recipes