Description
This delicious baked orzo pasta recipe combines tender orzo with savory pasta sauce, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. It’s an easy and comforting one-dish meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty family gathering, with a wonderful blend of cheesy textures and vibrant flavors baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta Mixture
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature to bake the orzo evenly and melt the cheeses perfectly.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix the uncooked orzo pasta, pasta sauce, and water together thoroughly so the orzo is evenly coated and can absorb the liquid during baking.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the fresh spinach into the orzo and sauce mixture evenly, distributing the greens throughout the dish.
- Add Ricotta Cheese Dollops: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the mixture without stirring it in, allowing it to create creamy pockets as it bakes.
- Toss Mozzarella Pieces: Tear the fresh mozzarella into approximately 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly on top to melt nicely and add a gooey texture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the orzo to cook through and absorb liquids.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking: Take off the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set, then serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute baby spinach with other greens like kale or swiss chard, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, increase pasta sauce by 4-6 ounces.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before the final bake.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake covered and add extra time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave but may need a splash of water to maintain moisture.
