Caprese Baked Orzo Pasta
Healthy side dish meets satisfying comfort food with this caprese baked orzo pasta recipe! Fresh tomatoes, creamy cheese, and plenty of herbs and seasonings combine with hearty orzo for an easy recipe perfect for every occasion. Serve it on its own or with your favorite proteins for a filling dinner!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 teapoons chili pepper more or less to taste
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F.
- In an 11x7 baking dish, add the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss to combine.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the tomatoes caramelize and burst.
- Remove the dish from the oven, and gently flatten the tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- In the baking dish, add the uncooked orzo and broth.
- Cover with foil, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al-dente.
- Remove the foil, and layer the cheese on top. Continue to bake for 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the dish so it does not burn!
- Top with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 478mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 867IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 2mg