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
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)
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
