Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables


  • Author: jena
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful dish combining creaminess with wholesome vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a 9×13-inch dish, mix the diced onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, dried herbs, and salt with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts. Then, add the diced tomatoes, ricotta, orzo, and broth. Mix everything well.
  4. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Give it a stir, then bake for another 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil it for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.

Notes

Feel free to mix and match the vegetables. Can add extra red pepper flakes for more spice.

  • 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: baked orzo, cheesy orzo, vegetable pasta, comfort food, vegetarian dish