If you’re craving a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug, this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. It brings together tender orzo pasta nestled in a rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach that adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition, and the luscious creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Each bite is a perfect blend of comforting textures and flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that all work together to create a harmonious balance of taste and texture. Every component adds depth, from the velvety ricotta to the fresh spinach that brightens the dish both visually and nutritionally.
- Orzo pasta (1 lb): This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up sauce beautifully, perfect for a baked dish.
- Water (2 cups): Helps the orzo cook evenly in the sauce, preventing dryness.
- Pasta sauce (24 oz): Use your favorite brand or homemade for rich tomato flavor—it’s the base that ties all ingredients together.
- Fresh spinach (5 oz): Baby spinach is tender and mild, adding a burst of green freshness without overpowering the dish.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Whole-milk ricotta offers a creamy texture and subtle tang, creating delightful pockets of softness throughout.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (8 oz): Torn into pieces, it melts into gooey, melty bits that bring indulgence and richness.
How to Make Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven ready early ensures your baked orzo will cook evenly right from the start.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large baking dish, mix the uncooked orzo pasta with your chosen pasta sauce and water. Stir them together until the sauce evenly coats the orzo—this creates the flavorful liquid the pasta will absorb during baking.
Step 3: Add Fresh Spinach
Now, fold in the fresh spinach. Don’t worry that it looks like a lot; it quickly wilts down as it cooks, infusing the dish with vibrant color and a subtle earthy taste.
Step 4: Dollop Ricotta Cheese
Use a spoon to drop dollops of ricotta cheese across the surface. Resist the urge to mix it in completely—the ricotta will form creamy pockets that add delightful texture contrasts when baked.
Step 5: Scatter Fresh Mozzarella
Tear your fresh mozzarella into roughly 1-inch pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the top. This cheese melts into irresistible little cheesy clouds that make this recipe extra special.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover your dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes. This step steams the orzo, allowing it to cook perfectly tender without drying out.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for tender orzo and beautifully browned, bubbly cheese on top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Take your baked orzo out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief pause lets everything set just right and makes it easier to scoop delicious portions.
How to Serve Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a salty, nutty dimension that pairs beautifully with mozzarella’s creaminess.
Side Dishes
This baked orzo pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, balancing out the richness of the cheeses. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread to round out the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions straight from ramekins or small baking dishes for a charming rustic look. Alternatively, transfer the baked orzo to a large serving platter and garnish artistically with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil—it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this baked orzo will keep fresh for up to 3 days without losing its delightful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this baked orzo for up to 2 months. Place the cooled dish or individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in. You can also microwave smaller portions, stirring halfway through, until warmed evenly and the cheese melts anew.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap fresh spinach for frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can affect the dish’s texture.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works in a pinch, but ricotta offers a creamier, smoother texture and mild flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and check your pasta sauce for dairy or animal products to keep it vegan-friendly.
What type of pasta sauce is best to use?
A simple tomato basil sauce works beautifully here, but feel free to experiment with your favorite marinara or even a roasted red pepper sauce for a twist.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all complement the flavors and can be added along with the spinach for a veggie-packed meal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is such a delightfully simple yet deeply satisfying dish. It’s full of familiar, comforting flavors with a fresh, wholesome twist. I can guarantee it will become one of your go-to recipes for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a family favorite you’ll reach for again and again!
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Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Orzo Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach, rich ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked together in a savory pasta sauce. Perfect as a hearty weeknight meal, it requires minimal prep and bakes directly in the oven, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
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)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the orzo pasta dish.
- Combine Pasta Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix the uncooked orzo pasta with the pasta sauce and water until well combined to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach to incorporate it evenly throughout the pasta mixture, enhancing the dish with freshness and nutrients.
- Top with Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the surface of the pasta mixture without stirring them in, as these will create creamy pockets during baking.
- Add Mozzarella Pieces: Tear the fresh mozzarella into about 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly on top of the ricotta and pasta to ensure a melty cheesy layer.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the orzo to cook and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, let the dish sit for a few minutes to set, then serve warm and enjoy your creamy baked orzo pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh is unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade or high-quality pasta sauce.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to prevent the cheese from drying out.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of water when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
