Description
Savory Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake combines Italian summer flavors in one delightful dish. Mediterranean ingredients mingle perfectly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb dry orzo pasta
- 2–3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 ounces) jar basil pesto
Herbs and Seasonings:
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Extras:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons sliced peperoncinis
Instructions
- Prepare the roasting foundation by arranging cherry tomatoes in a spacious baking dish, creating a vibrant base for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Enhance the tomato medley with aromatic elements: drizzle olive oil, scatter minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, delicate basil leaves, and a whisper of chili flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper to awaken the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Transform the dish in the preheated 400°F oven, allowing the tomatoes to caramelize and release their sweet essence for approximately 10 minutes.
- Extract the roasted tomato landscape and introduce orzo, creating a harmonious blend with vibrant pesto. Incorporate sliced peperoncinis for a subtle tangy undertone.
- Integrate water carefully, ensuring the mixture achieves a balanced moisture level, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the baking vessel.
- Return the dish to the oven, allowing the orzo to absorb liquid and develop a tender texture, monitoring closely for approximately 12-15 minutes until the grains reach perfect consistency.
- Crown the partially cooked orzo with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, creating a molten cheese canopy that will transform during the final baking stage.
- Continue baking until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape, signaling the dish’s impending completion.
- Perform a final refinement by carefully draining any excess pesto oil, preserving the dish’s pristine appearance.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves, presenting a vibrant, aromatic masterpiece ready to be savored immediately.
Notes
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and ensure they burst beautifully during roasting.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep an eye on liquid absorption while baking to prevent dry orzo; add a splash more water if needed for perfect consistency.
- Adjust spice levels by controlling chili flakes or selecting mil
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg