If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s effortless to prepare but delivers a burst of flavor and creamy goodness, look no further than this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe. This delightful casserole combines tender orzo pasta with vibrant spinach, luscious ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all baked together to create a satisfying meal that feels both homey and special. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe plays a vital role, whether it’s adding earthiness, creaminess, or that irresistible stretch of melted cheese. These simple ingredients come together effortlessly to make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- Orzo pasta (1 lb): The star of the dish, this tiny pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Water (2 cups): Helps the orzo cook right in the baking dish, creating a creamy, tender texture without the fuss of boiling separately.
- Pasta sauce (24 oz): Your favorite jarred pasta sauce works here, offering a rich and tangy base that infuses the whole dish.
- Fresh spinach (5 oz): Adds freshness and a beautiful green color, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Whole-milk ricotta brings creamy pockets that melt into the orzo as it bakes, making every bite indulgent.
- Fresh mozzarella (8 oz): Torn into pieces to create melty, bubbling cheesy bites on top that everyone loves.
How to Make Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to cook the orzo evenly, melt the cheeses, and create a wonderful bubbly top without drying out the dish.
Step 2: Combine Orzo, Sauce, and Water
In a large baking dish, stir together the uncooked orzo pasta, your chosen pasta sauce, and water. Mixing these ingredients ensures the orzo will absorb all the savory flavors during baking and results in a creamy, risotto-like texture.
Step 3: Add Fresh Spinach
Toss in the fresh baby spinach and gently mix it with the sauce and orzo. The spinach will wilt beautifully as it bakes, adding freshness and a lovely splash of green throughout the dish.
Step 4: Dollop Ricotta Cheese
Drop spoonfuls of whole-milk ricotta cheese over the surface of the orzo mixture without stirring it in completely. These dollops will melt into soft, creamy pockets that offer delicious bursts of richness in every forkful.
Step 5: Scatter Fresh Mozzarella
Tear the fresh mozzarella into generous 1-inch pieces and scatter them on top. These pieces create a golden, bubbly crust as they melt, giving the dish a beautiful finish and that irresistible ooey-gooey factor.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the orzo for 20 minutes. This step allows the pasta to cook gently in its juices and for the spinach and cheeses to meld together perfectly.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted and delightfully bubbly. The uncovered baking helps the dish develop a slight golden crust on top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest lets everything set up just a bit, making it easier to serve and enjoy all the wonderful textures and flavors of this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a beautiful finishing touch that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This baked orzo pairs excellently with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. These accompaniments provide crunchy or fresh contrasts that complement the creamy pasta bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add some fun, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or baking the orzo in pretty ceramic dishes. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pop of chili flakes on top can also add an exciting layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can help keep the pasta moist and cheesy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out excess water before mixing it into the orzo to avoid a watery dish.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?
Covering with foil helps the orzo cook evenly and keeps moisture in. Removing the foil at the end lets the cheese brown nicely and creates a lovely bubbly top.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Certainly! While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional here, using cottage cheese or a combination of shredded mozzarella and provolone can yield delicious results as well.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat in your Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe.
Can this be made dairy-free or vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—like dairy-free ricotta alternatives and vegan mozzarella—you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan, although the texture will vary slightly from the original.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a dish that feels as cozy as this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s hearty yet fresh, packed with flavor but incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a comforting hug on a plate you will want to make again and again.
Print
Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Baked Orzo Pasta recipe combines tender orzo pasta with savory pasta sauce, fresh spinach, and a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is an easy, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
Vegetables
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
Cheeses
- 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) to prepare for baking the orzo pasta mixture.
- Combine base ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the uncooked orzo pasta, pasta sauce, and water until well combined, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with sauce and liquid.
- Add spinach: Stir fresh baby spinach into the pasta and sauce mixture evenly to distribute the greens throughout the dish.
- Add ricotta cheese dollops: Spoon dollops of whole-milk ricotta cheese onto the surface of the mixture without stirring it in completely, allowing creamy pockets to form during baking.
- Top with mozzarella: Tear fresh mozzarella into 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly over the top to add melty, cheesy texture.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook the orzo and blend flavors.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden spots.
- Cool and serve: Take the dish out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture; low-fat options may result in a less rich dish.
- Covering the dish while baking helps cook the orzo evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
