This Baked Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese is bursting with fresh flavors and so cozy and filling.
The weather feels like fall around here, and even though I still have tons of cherry tomatoes in the garden, I’m starting to crave cozy meals. This Baked Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese has fresh garden flavors and is hearty and filling.
I planted a few different varieties of cherry tomatoes this year, and I love all their beautiful colors. I decided to roast the tomatoes for this baked pesto orzo recipe because it makes them extra sweet and goes well with pesto.
Baked Pesto Orzo Recipe Ingredients
- Orzo – Any pasta will work for this recipe, but I love orzo because it has a nice texture and is easy to eat. I used regular orzo, but whole wheat or gluten-free will work, too.
- Cherry Tomatoes – I have a bunch of cherry tomatoes growing in the garden, so I used a couple of different varieties. You can use any kind you prefer, including diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
- White Beans – I used a can of great northern beans, but cannelloni or chickpeas will also work. The recipe is filling enough on its own, so the white beans can easily be left out if you prefer.
- Feta Cheese – I used feta cheese in the recipe because I love feta, but goat cheese or shredded mozzarella are great substitutes if you don’t want to use feta.
- Shredded Cheese – I don’t mix the shredded cheese into the orzo bake, but I use a big handful for topping. I like to get a nice cheesy top that is slightly browned.
- Pesto – I had some homemade pesto in the refrigerator, but store-bought should be great, too!
- Garlic, Fresh Herbs – I like adding fresh garlic to the roasted tomatoes and some fresh herbs for even more flavor.
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
Why Your Body Will Love This Orzo Bake
- Antioxidants – Tomatoes boast antioxidant power. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood, and the lycopene in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C, which supports our immune systems.
- Fiber – If you read this blog often, you know I love beans for many reasons, including their fiber content. The fiber in beans helps digestion (including passing healthy bowel movements) and blood sugar regulation. It binds to toxins and carries them out of our system, and helps us feel full for longer, contributing to weight management.
- Feta Fuel – Feta is a great cheese for our bodies. It’s high in calcium, benefitting our bones, and contains protein, vitamins A, D, and K, and magnesium and zinc. It also has probiotics that support our gut microbiomes.
How To Make Baked Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes
- I start by roasting the cherry tomatoes. I like to roast them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme. The garlic and thyme are optional but highly recommended if you have them! Roast tomatoes until starting to burst open, 12-15 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the orzo while the cherry tomatoes are roasting. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the dry orzo, and cook according to package directions. Drain the orzo well and add it back to the pot.
- Add the roasted tomatoes, white beans, feta cheese, pesto, and salt and pepper to the pot of orzo. Mix everything together well. Add the orzo mixture to a large baking dish and top with a handful of shredded cheese. Bake until the orzo is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- I like to garnish my baked pesto orzo with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, I used regular orzo, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free certified orzo.
- Is this recipe vegan? No, I used regular feta cheese and mozzarella cheese. You can easily make this recipe vegan using vegan pesto and vegan cheeses or omitting it entirely.
- Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo? Of course! Use any variety of pasta you like.
- Can I freeze this orzo bake? Yes, I suggest assembling it and freezing it before baking.
- How long do leftovers last in the refrigerator? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep them for 4-5 days.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will reply ASAP!
Looking For More Easy Baked Pasta Recipes?
Gnocchi Broccoli and White Bean Bake
Baked Ziti with Spinach and Chickpeas
Lower Carb Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bake
Gnocchi Pizza Bake with White Beans
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Baked Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta is bursting with flavor! It’s great for a hearty and filling vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, or diced regular tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, smashed and removed from papery skin
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups dry orzo
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (optional)
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 2 cups prepared pesto
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh tomatoes and basil for garnish, if desired.
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and toss together the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, thyme and salt and pepper (to taste). Roast tomatoes until starting to burst open, 12-15 minutes. Set aside. I like to mince up the roasted garlic and add it back to the tomatoes along with the thyme leaves.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the dry orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain orzo well and add back to the pot.
- To the pot of orzo, add the roasted tomatoes with the garlic and thyme (make sure to get all the juice) white beans, feta cheese, pesto and salt and pepper, to taste. Mix everything together well. Add the orzo mixture to a large baking dish and top with a large handful of shredded cheese. Bake until orzo is heated through and cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- I like to garnish my baked pesto orzo with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
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