Zesty Caprese Orzo Bake Recipe: Cozy Italian Magic

Summers call for vibrant, fresh dishes that sparkle with flavor, and this caprese orzo bake delight recipe delivers pure Mediterranean magic.

Sun-ripened tomatoes and creamy mozzarella dance together in a comforting pasta casserole.

orzo, the tiny rice-shaped pasta, absorbs rich flavors like a culinary sponge.

Fragrant basil leaves add a bright, aromatic touch that makes every bite sing with freshness.

The blend of melted cheese, tangy tomatoes, and herbs creates a harmonious dish that feels simultaneously elegant and rustic.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through classic Italian ingredients.

Dive into this easy, irresistible recipe that transforms simple components into a meal worth savoring.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Caprese Orzo Bake – Ingredient Checklist

• Grape Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet juiciness, these little gems create a vibrant sauce and add gorgeous color to the dish.
• Shallots: Provide a delicate, mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering other ingredients.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic punch that deepens the savory notes of the entire recipe.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal freshness that elevates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

• Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a creamy, comforting texture.
• Broth: Provides moisture and additional seasoning, helping the orzo cook to perfect al dente consistency.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Delivers a luxurious, melty layer that creates irresistible stringy cheese pulls and adds rich creaminess.
• Olive Oil: Helps to bind ingredients, adds a smooth richness, and supports even cooking of the tomato base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.

Supplies for Making Caprese Orzo Bake

• Baking Dish (11×7): Essential for preparing and baking the entire recipe.
• Spoon: Needed to flatten tomatoes and stir ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For chopping shallots, garlic, and basil.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during orzo baking.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Measuring Cup: To measure broth precisely.

How to Assemble and Cook the Orzo Bake

• Oven Warmup

Get your oven ready by heating it to a cozy 375° F. This creates the perfect environment for your delicious meal.

• Tomato Magic

Grab a baking dish and toss in juicy tomatoes, fragrant shallots, zesty garlic, and aromatic basil. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a flavor explosion.

• Tomato Transformation

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Let the tomatoes dance and caramelize for about 25 minutes, bursting with sweet intensity and creating a rich sauce.

• Orzo Adventure

Gently crush the roasted tomatoes and welcome orzo into the mix. Pour in some broth and stir everything together, letting the ingredients get acquainted.

• Cheese Blanket

Cover the dish and return it to the oven. Let the orzo cook until tender and dreamy. Then crown your creation with pillowy mozzarella slices, melting them into a golden, gooey masterpiece.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly torn basil over the top. Serve immediately while the dish is still steaming, letting the flavors sing their delicious symphony.

Creative Variations for Caprese Orzo Dish

• Flavor Boosters: Swap regular olive oil for infused garlic or herb-flavored varieties to add an extra layer of depth to the tomato mixture.
• Protein Power: Enhance the dish by adding cooked shredded chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp directly into the orzo before the final cheese layer for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Adventures: Experiment with different cheese options like creamy burrata, tangy goat cheese, or sharp provolone instead of traditional mozzarella to create unique flavor profiles.
• Veggie Twist: Incorporate additional roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant during the initial tomato baking stage to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of adding mozzarella, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and finish baking with the cheese topping for a convenient meal prep option.

How to Serve Caprese Orzo Bake Beautifully

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Slice this Caprese Orzo Bake into neat squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board. Surround with extra fresh basil leaves and whole cherry tomatoes for a stunning presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Mediterranean Picnic Perfection: Pack individual portions in mason jars or sealed containers for a delightful outdoor meal. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water to complement the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the bake by adding grilled chicken strips, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp on top. These protein additions transform the dish from a side to a complete, satisfying main course that'll keep everyone full and happy.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform cold leftovers into a chilled pasta salad by adding extra fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This quick hack turns yesterday's dinner into today's exciting lunch option.

Store & Reheat Caprese Orzo Without Drying

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer any leftover Caprese Orzo Bake into an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent unwanted moisture absorption.
• Optimal Cooling Window: Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors intact and maintaining its delectable texture without compromising taste quality.
• Reheating Magic: Revive chilled leftovers by warming gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent the orzo from becoming dry or rubbery.
• Freezing Recommendation: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, allowing quick and convenient meal preparation during busy weeks.

Creamy Caprese Orzo Bake

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Orzo bake combines classic caprese flavors with comforting pasta in one delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Fresh ingredients meld perfectly, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) orzo pasta
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh mozzarella slices
• 3 cups grape tomatoes
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh chopped basil, plus additional for garnish
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ tsp chili pepper, adjust to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F, positioning rack in central position for optimal heat distribution.
2. Base Creation: Combine grape tomatoes, shallots, garlic, basil leaves, salt, pepper, and olive oil in 11×7 baking dish, ensuring thorough coating and even dispersion of ingredients.
3. Roasting Phase: Transfer dish to preheated oven, allowing tomatoes to caramelize and intensify for 25 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavor profile.
4. Sauce Integration: Gently crush roasted tomatoes, blending with uncooked orzo and broth to create a cohesive, aromatic mixture that promises depth and complexity.
5. Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil, returning to oven for 12-15 minutes until orzo reaches perfectly tender consistency with subtle firmness.
6. Cheese Finale: Arrange mozzarella slices across surface, returning uncovered to oven until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer that captivates the senses.
7. Garnish and Serve: Scatter freshly torn basil leaves over the dish, creating a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the entire culinary experience. Serve immediately to preserve peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Tomato Selection Matters: Choose ripe, sweet grape tomatoes for maximum flavor intensity and natural caramelization during roasting.
• Precise Oven Temperature: Maintain exact 375°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning of delicate ingredients.
• Liquid Ratio Critical: Use just enough broth to cook orzo perfectly without making the dish soggy or dry.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add mozzarella in thin, even slices for smooth, consistent melting across the entire dish’s surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg