If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and vibrant vegetarian dish that is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, the Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful casserole brings together tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to bubbling perfection in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that feels special and satisfying every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring harmony to the dish—offering texture, color, and taste that come together beautifully with minimal fuss. These accessible ingredients create a wholesome, hearty meal.
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked): The star tiny pasta that soaks up all the sauce and flavors wonderfully.
- 2 cups water: Helps the orzo cook perfectly in the oven, making the dish creamy and tender.
- 24 oz pasta sauce: Your favorite brand adds depth with its rich tomato base and spices.
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, slightly earthy note that balances the cheese.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole-milk): Creates luscious pockets of creaminess that surprise your taste buds.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces): Melts into golden bubbly goodness on top, providing that irresistible cheesy pull.
How to Make Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment for even baking so the orzo cooks through and the cheeses melt beautifully. Use a roomy baking dish as this will give the pasta space to expand and mingle with the sauce.
Step 2: Combine the Orzo, Sauce, and Water
In your baking dish, mix the uncooked orzo pasta with the pasta sauce and water. Stir these together until everything is well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base for your casserole and ensures the orzo gets infused with that vibrant, saucy goodness as it bakes.
Step 3: Add Fresh Spinach
Gently fold in the fresh spinach, distributing it evenly. The spinach wilts down as it bakes, contributing a lovely green hue and a subtle, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Step 4: Add Creamy Ricotta Dollops
Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese artfully over the top. Don’t mix the ricotta completely in — these pockets will bake into creamy, indulgent bursts that add a smooth, dreamy texture to every bite.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella
Tear the fresh mozzarella into roughly 1-inch pieces and scatter them across the surface of the dish. This cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer that feels incredibly comforting and inviting when it’s done.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes, which allows the orzo to absorb the liquid and start softening while the cheeses begin to melt.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial to let the top layer brown slightly and become bubbly, signaling that the pasta is perfectly cooked and the cheeses are irresistibly melty.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Take your dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to settle. This brief resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy perfectly gooey servings.
How to Serve Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the creamy richness of the casserole beautifully. A dash of red pepper flakes can also lend a subtle heat for those who like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread for those who love an extra dose of buttery, toasty goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the baked orzo pasta in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This makes the meal feel special and perfect for entertaining or cozy solo dinners. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving can also elevate the dish’s texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner that tastes almost as good as freshly baked.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember that fresh spinach will lose some texture upon freezing, but the overall flavor remains delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through to avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwaving leftovers covered with a damp paper towel works in a pinch but might sacrifice some of that baked crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish soggy. Fresh baby spinach is ideal for its texture and flavor, though frozen can be a convenient substitute.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?
Yes, covering the dish initially traps steam, which helps cook the orzo evenly and keeps the pasta moist. Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese to brown and develop that beautiful bubbly, golden crust.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas can turn this dish into a more substantial meal without compromising its cozy vibes.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
Use a flavorful tomato-based pasta sauce. A simple marinara or something with herbs and garlic will complement the cheeses and spinach perfectly. Avoid overly spicy or chunky sauces for the best texture balance.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensure the pasta sauce doesn’t contain any animal products. Using a vegan ricotta made from nuts or tofu can mimic the creamy texture nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe stands out as a cozy, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to share with friends and family. Its creamy textures, fresh greens, and melty cheese layers make it a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to, time after time. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious forkful!
Print
Baked Orzo Pasta with Spinach, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious baked orzo pasta recipe combines tender orzo cooked directly in a flavorful tomato sauce with fresh spinach and creamy cheeses. Ricotta creates luscious pockets of creaminess while melted mozzarella adds a gooey, cheesy topping. It’s an easy, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner, baked to perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta (uncooked)
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups water
- 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
Produce
- 5 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach recommended)
Dairy
- 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 casserole.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the uncooked orzo pasta, your favorite pasta sauce, and water. Stir well to ensure the orzo is evenly coated.
- Add Spinach: Fold in the fresh baby spinach, mixing it into the pasta and sauce for even distribution.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir it in; these pockets will provide creamy bursts after baking.
- Add Mozzarella: Tear fresh mozzarella into approximately 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly over the top of the dish for a melty cheese topping.
- 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 through and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy baked orzo pasta.
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture.
- Baby spinach works best as it wilts quickly and blends nicely.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or herbs like basil or oregano for more flavor.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking ensures the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce.
- Use fresh mozzarella rather than shredded for better melting texture.
- Letting the dish cool slightly before serving helps it set for easier portioning.
