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.
Ingredients
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
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