One Pan Pesto Caprese Orzo

5 from 3 votes

This one pan orzo dish is easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes! It's full of pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: 30 Minutes or Less, Basil, Cheese, One Pot, Orzo, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Tomato

Servings:

2 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic minced
1.5 cups Orzo Pasta uncooked
3 cups Chicken Broth chicken or vegetable; more as needed
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
10 oz Cherry Tomatoes sliced in half
1/2 cup Fresh Basil chiffonade; more to serve
3/4 cup Basil Pesto I used 1 jar of Creamy Genovese Barilla Pesto; substitute with homemade or the pesto of choice
4 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese I used balls and sliced in half

Heat olive oil in a large high-rimmed pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour in the uncooked orzo, stir, and toast for another minute.
Pour in the broth, season with black pepper and any additional seasonings as desired. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the orzo is cooked. Add additional broth as needed if it absorbs before the orzo is finished cooking.
Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add the sliced cherry tomatoes and chiffonade fresh basil. Stir to combine. Mix in the basil pesto until well combined. Add the sliced fresh mozzarella balls. Stir to combine.
Serve immediately with additional basil as desired.