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Cheesy Baked Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 25 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Orzo is a comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender orzo cooked to perfection and combined with a rich cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a delightful meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions, enhanced by fresh spinach and garnished with fragrant herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (Pasta shaped like rice)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (Can use chicken broth for added flavor)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (Or a Halal-friendly alternative)
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (For melting and topping)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds flavor and richness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (For greasing the baking dish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds delicious flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (Adjust based on preference)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (Optional, can add more veggies)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or basil) (For added flavor and presentation)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures you have everything ready before cooking the orzo and assembling the dish.
  2. Cook the Orzo: In a pot of boiling water, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo well.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste to create a flavorful, creamy cheese sauce.
  4. Combine Orzo with Sauce and Spinach: Mix the drained orzo into the cheese sauce until well coated. Fold in fresh spinach if using, allowing it to slightly wilt within the warm mixture.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Pour the orzo and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
  6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the orzo mixture to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, signaling the dish is perfectly cooked through.
  8. Serve: Remove the baked orzo from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a fresh aroma and taste before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
  • For a Halal-friendly version, use a heavy cream alternative compliant with dietary requirements.
  • Spinach is optional but adds a healthy green and extra flavor.
  • Ensure the orzo is drained well to avoid soggy texture in the baked dish.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Orzo, baked pasta, creamy orzo, mozzarella cheese recipe, easy Italian bake

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/cheesy-baked-orzo-recipe/