Easiest One Pan Corn and Zucchini Pesto Orzo Casserole

Made using healthy vegetables and herbs, in one pan, in less than an hour. Toss everything in and done!

Prep time: PT15M

Cook time: PT30M

Total time: PT45M

Rating

4.87 stars (282 reviews)

Keywords

45 minutes, easy, under an hour

Ingredients

2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
kosher salt and black pepper
2 cups fresh corn
chili flakes
1 pound dry orzo pasta
1 jar (8 ounce) basil pesto
3/4 cup shredded Havarti or mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup fresh basil

Cuisine

American

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the zucchini, olive oil, garlic, shallots, thyme, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Roast 15 minutes. Pull the zucchini out of the oven. To the same pan, add the corn, orzo, and pesto. Pour over 2 1/2 cups of water and stir to combine. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until most of the water has cooked into the pasta, but not all of it.3. Stir the pasta around, then sprinkle over the cheeses. Bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling. If there's a lot of oil from the pesto on top, drain off the excess. Top with fresh basil!

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 737 kcal

Reviews

Raimee on 2026-07-27 (5 stars):
So happy I found this recipe! It's zucchini (and basil) season, so I was looking for new recipes before freezing the rest of my (ongoing) haul. Since the zucchini was to be roasted first, I actually used one of my bigger, older ones, and that was a good idea. Less water to cook out and a great way to use a zucchini that is on its way out. I did cook the orzo separately so I had more control over the cook and added my homemade pesto to the warm pasta. Thanks for the easy, tasty recipe!
Kenzie on 2026-07-13 (5 stars):
I loved this. I used chicken bone broth instead of water, and I only used two cups with the intention of adding more if needed. I think the people who complain about it being watery don’t realize zuchini adds water to the dish. I also topped with grilled chicken
Paula on 2025-09-25 (1 stars):
Should have known better than to try another HBH recipe. I'd give it zero stars if that were an option. Hardly any flavor at all in this dish, very watery yet the pasta was not even close to being cooked. The cheese formed into a hard mass at the top of the dish and tasted like rubber. Waaay too much grease- the fact that she says to 'drain the excess' should be a warning sign that this dish will not turn out well. It's just another classic example of the hot slop of grease, fat, and cheese, that she claims is 'super yummy guys'. Don't waste your time or money buying all these ingredients, you'll surely be disappointed.
Mag on 2025-09-02 (5 stars):
We love this recipe! We make it regularly and it’s become one of our staples. I’ve even brought it to a party as a side dish! We usually make some sort of chicken on the side but we love this pasta so much!
Valerie on 2025-08-05 (5 stars):
I have made this many times and it’s a family favorite. The only thing I do differently is I use onion instead of shallots and only use 1/2 jar of pesto.
Ken on 2025-07-27 (2 stars):
I thought it was o.k but not great. Tasted like it was lacking something, and a bit too watery, sorry.