Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together the freshness of tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil pesto, and tender orzo pasta—all baked in one pan for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying, cheesy vegetarian meal with minimal fuss.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

orzo pastacherry tomatoesfresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)basil pestogarlicclovesolive oilvegetable or chicken brothparmesan cheesefresh basilsalt and pepperred pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, add the uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Remove the foil, gently stir in the pesto, and top with mozzarella balls and grated parmesan.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper flavor.

Swap mozzarella for goat cheese or feta for a tangier taste.

Mix in spinach or arugula just before baking for added greens.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Short pastas like couscous or small shells can work, but cooking time may vary.

Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely, store-bought pesto works great and saves time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prep everything up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can assemble everything in a skillet, then transfer to a baking dish before baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese alternatives to keep it plant-based.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze in individual portions and reheat as needed.

Why is my orzo still undercooked?

Make sure the dish is tightly covered while baking and that you’re using enough liquid.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers would pair well.

Does the dish get dry?

If it seems dry after baking, stir in a bit of warm broth or extra pesto before serving.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely—it’s cheesy, flavorful, and easy to love.

Conclusion

One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake is a simple, vibrant meal that delivers big flavor with little effort. Perfect for when you crave something cozy and delicious, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite for weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.