# Creamy Baked Orzo With Spinach And Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
If you’re searching for a flavorful and satisfying dish, this baked orzo with spinach and mozzarella cheese recipe is a fantastic option! This delightful dish combines the subtle tastes of orzo pasta, nutritious spinach, and creamy mozzarella cheese to create an irresistibly delicious meal.
To prepare this dish, start by cooking the orzo. Then sauté onions, garlic, spinach, and diced tomatoes. Combine the orzo with this spinach mixture, and your dish is ready!
You can customize this recipe by adding various vegetables to enhance its richness. You can also elevate the dish’s flavor by incorporating different toppings of your choice.
Orzo has a unique shape that allows it to absorb flavors and sauces excellently, making it a versatile ingredient for various recipes. For this specific dish, we suggest using RiceSelect Orzo, known for its high quality and exceptional taste.
The detailed recipe for this delightful dish is provided below. Let’s explore the ingredients you need and how to prepare this meal. You can find RiceSelect Orzo [here](link).
### What Equipment Will You Need To Make Baked Orzo With Spinach And Mozzarella Cheese?
– Oven – For cooking the orzo and baking the dish with the gravy and toppings.
– Skillet – To mix all the ingredients and cook them.
– Whisk – To properly combine and mix the gravy.
– Baking Sheet – To line up the orzo and layer it with the gravy for baking.
### How Much Time Will You Need To Make Baked Orzo With Spinach And Mozzarella Cheese?
– Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
– Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
– Total Time: 30 Minutes
### What Ingredients Will You Need To Make Baked Orzo With Spinach And Mozzarella Cheese?
– RiceSelect® Orzo
– Olive Oil
– Onions
– Garlic
– Spinach
– Tomatoes
– Oregano
– Basil
– Salt
– Black Pepper
– Mozzarella Cheese
– Fresh Basil Leaves
[Continue Reading…](link)To make Baked Orzo With Spinach And Mozzarella Cheese, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the Orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add spinach, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer the cooked Orzo to a baking dish, pour the spinach and tomato mixture over it, and mix well. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This dish combines the flavors of spinach lasagna and pizza, with a creamy texture. The presence of spinach enhances the nutritional value and adds crunch.
Here are some tips to make the perfect Baked Orzo:
1. Cook the Orzo al dente to prevent mushiness.
2. Season generously with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Experiment with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers or olives for a twist.
Enjoy this creamy and rich dish as a delightful dinner meal that will surely impress your taste buds.In the first step, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, cook the RiceSelect® Orzo until it’s al dente following the package instructions. Once done, drain the Orzo and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté them until they are fragrant and translucent. Then, add chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down.
Pour in a can of diced tomatoes with the juice. Stir in dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Transfer the cooked Orzo to a large baking dish and pour the spinach and tomato sauce over it, ensuring even coating. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, golden crust when melted.
Conclusion:
This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or a side dish. It pairs well with salads, roasted garlic bread, or baguettes. It’s perfect for parties or potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How does the baked orzo pasta with spinach and mozzarella taste like?
It has a delightful taste resembling a mix of spinach lasagna and pizza. The dish is creamy, rich, with a smooth texture that just melts in your mouth.
What are the tips for the best orzo pasta?
Follow these tips for the perfect orzo pasta:
1. Avoid overcooking the Orzo.
2. Season generously with herbs and spices.
3. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to enhance the flavor.
