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
Scale
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.
