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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F, positioning rack in central position for optimal heat distribution.
- 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.
- Roasting Phase: Transfer dish to preheated oven, allowing tomatoes to caramelize and intensify for 25 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Sauce Integration: Gently crush roasted tomatoes, blending with uncooked orzo and broth to create a cohesive, aromatic mixture that promises depth and complexity.
- Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil, returning to oven for 12-15 minutes until orzo reaches perfectly tender consistency with subtle firmness.
- Cheese Finale: Arrange mozzarella slices across surface, returning uncovered to oven until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer that captivates the senses.
- 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