Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.⁣

Step 2

In a large oven-safe skillet, warm oil over medium heat. Add the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and salt and saute until tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices, 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach, pesto, tomato basil sauce, water/broth and mix until well combined. Next, add the orzo, salt, and italian seasoning and stir until well combined.⁣

Step 3

Bake uncovered until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is cooked though, 10 to 12 minutes.⁣

Step 4

Remove from the oven and stir ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese into the orzo. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Place the skillet back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, 5 minutes. Switch oven to the broiler, and broil until the cheese is slightly golden in places, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, if desired.