If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy comfort dish that won’t keep you chained to the stove, this Baked Orzo Pasta is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tiny nuggets of orzo bathed in a luscious tomato broth, dotted with golden mozzarella and a shower of fresh herbs—every bite is creamy, cheesy, and kissed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s the effortless yet impressive weeknight wonder you’ll crave any season, whether you serve it as a hearty main or show-stopping side. Plus, everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner truly stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient in our Baked Orzo Pasta brings something essential to the party, adding depth, color, and that irresistible “just one more bite” appeal. Gather these trusty companions and you’re on your way to pasta bliss.
- Olive Oil: A splash adds silkiness and helps create a gorgeous base for sautéing your aromatics.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Offers sweet, savory undertones that round out the sauce and make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers a fragrant punch, infusing every bite with classic Italian flavor.
- Dry Orzo Pasta (1 cup): These rice-shaped beauties soak up all the delicious flavors and turn tender without getting mushy.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can): Rustic, juicy tomatoes bring a burst of color and real tomato zing to the dish.
- Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 cups): Adds body and richness—pick your favorite depending on dietary needs.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends earthy, Mediterranean character that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle bite of heat—add more or omit to suit your mood.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch sharpness for an extra flavor lift.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty, and melty—this brings true cheesy decadence.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey, golden perfection across the top.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A final flourish of herby freshness brightens every serving.
How to Make Baked Orzo Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This early start ensures your oven is the perfect cozy haven for your Baked Orzo Pasta once everything’s ready to bake. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients and prep your onion and garlic so everything comes together seamlessly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Place an oven-safe skillet or saucepan over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more to unlock its irresistible aroma—don’t let it brown!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the orzo like this gives the finished dish a slightly nutty depth and makes the pasta even more resilient to overcooking. It’s a little step, but the payoff is big!
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes—juice and all—along with your chosen broth, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you love a gentle kick), plus the salt and black pepper. Stir to mix everything together, then bring the mixture to a steady simmer. This is where the orzo begins absorbing those tangy, savory flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, melting it right into the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the surface. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and slide it into your hot oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes more, letting that cheesy topping get golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Rest
When your Baked Orzo Pasta is gloriously bubbling and bronzed, pull it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This short pause helps everything set and makes scooping easier. Finish with a scatter of chopped basil or parsley for a burst of herby freshness that cuts through the richness.
How to Serve Baked Orzo Pasta
Garnishes
A simple garnish goes a long way. Sprinkle plenty of fresh basil or parsley over your Baked Orzo Pasta before serving—the brilliant green makes every portion pop and brings a wonderful freshness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for a little luxurious sheen.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Orzo Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a colorful plate. For protein, think classic Italian chicken cutlets, grilled shrimp, or even just some rustic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, portion out Baked Orzo Pasta into individual ramekins and bake until bubbling for a charming, personal touch. Or, scoop it into pretty bowls and top each with a sprig of fresh herb and a wedge of lemon for extra brightness. It’s also fantastic as a Mediterranean-style side during summer barbecues or potlucks—totally crowd pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra Baked Orzo Pasta into an airtight container as soon as it cools. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tempting.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the dish cool completely and divide into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil. The pasta and sauce hold up well for about 2 months. For best results, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating, as this prevents the orzo from getting too soft.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or water to revive the creaminess, or cover and warm in a 350°F oven until everything is heated through. If the top needs a bit of pep, sprinkle on extra cheese before reheating—it will melt into delicious, gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Orzo Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just stick with vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll have a hearty, meat-free dish that everyone can enjoy. You could even toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggie power.
Can I add protein to the Baked Orzo Pasta?
Definitely. Feel free to mix in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken before baking for a truly satisfying meal. Vegetarian proteins—like chickpeas or cooked lentils—work great too.
How can I make this dish extra creamy?
For a silkier texture, stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even a couple tablespoons of cream cheese right before baking. It melts in seamlessly, making the Baked Orzo Pasta feel luscious and decadent.
Is there a gluten-free option for orzo?
Yes, there are gluten-free orzo pastas available at most large supermarkets, or you can substitute small gluten-free pasta shapes. Just watch the baking time, as some gluten-free options cook a bit faster.
Can I make Baked Orzo Pasta ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate before baking. When it’s almost time to serve, just bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold). It’s a fantastic no-fuss recipe for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Orzo Pasta enough—it’s the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and craveable flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing friends, or just craving something cozy, give it a try. I promise, this skillet of cheesy, herby delight will find its way into your regular dinner rotation in no time!
Print
Baked Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Orzo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a cheesy topping and a hint of Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this vegetarian dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and garlic: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add orzo and ingredients: Stir in the orzo, diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Finish and bake: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, top with mozzarella, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can add cooked sausage, ground beef, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier dish.
- To make it creamy, stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
