Description
Caprese pesto orzo bake delivers Mediterranean magic in a single skillet, blending Italian herbs with creamy cheese and fresh basil. Comfort meets elegance in this effortless dish that promises delicious simplicity you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or slices
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions
- Thermal Preparation: Elevate oven temperature to 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment.
- Ingredient Fusion: In a spacious oven-safe skillet, amalgamate orzo, cherry tomatoes, garlic, broth, pesto, olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring thorough integration through gentle stirring.
- Initial Roasting Phase: Encase the skillet with aluminum foil and immerse in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and orzo to absorb liquid.
- Texture Evaluation: Cautiously remove foil, assess orzo’s tenderness, and redistribute ingredients, confirming most liquid has been absorbed.
- Cheese Integration: Incorporate shredded mozzarella and partial Parmesan, then crown the dish with fresh mozzarella pearls and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Final Baking Sequence: Return uncovered skillet to oven for 10-12 minutes, enabling cheese to melt luxuriously and develop a tempting golden surface.
- Optional Caramelization: If desired, activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a crisp, burnished cheese topping.
Notes
- Use a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish with high sides to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.
- Stir the orzo midway through baking to prevent sticking and ensure uniform moisture distribution.
- Add shredded cheese first for even melting, then top with fresh mozzarella pearls for a beautiful presentation.
- Swap regular mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives or use gluten-free orzo to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg