why make this recipe
Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love. It’s a perfect mix of creamy cheese, soft pasta, and colorful veggies. This recipe is easy to make and is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s filling enough for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
how to make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
To make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables, you will need a few simple ingredients and follow some easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 lb orzo (about 2½ cups)
- 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil to serve
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9×13-inch dish, mix the diced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, dried herbs, and salt with the olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts. Add the diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese, orzo, and broth; stir everything to combine well.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. After that, stir it again and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finally, top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes until it is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes.
For full steps with tips & photos, you can visit this link.
how to serve Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
Serve Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables hot from the oven. You can sprinkle some fresh basil on top for added flavor and a nice touch. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.
how to store Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
- Feel free to add different vegetables based on what you have available, like zucchini or broccoli.
- For a bit more flavor, use garlic-infused olive oil.
- Adjust the spices to your taste; if you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
variation
You can use other types of cheese, such as feta or cheddar, instead of ricotta and mozzarella. This will change the flavor of the dish, making it exciting every time you make it!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish goes well with a simple green salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal.
Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish combining creamy cheese, soft pasta, and colorful veggies, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 lb orzo (about 2½ cups)
- 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9×13-inch dish, mix the diced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, dried herbs, and salt with the olive oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts. Add the diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese, orzo, and broth; stir everything to combine well.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. After that, stir it again and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for another 5-10 minutes until it is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning.
Notes
Feel free to add different vegetables or adjust spices to your taste. You can use different cheeses instead of ricotta and mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: orzo, baked pasta, vegetarian, cheese, easy recipe
