Best 5 Three Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary delight with our Three-Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features tender orzo pasta, bathed in a creamy sauce enriched with a trio of cheeses – mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta – that blend seamlessly to create a luscious and velvety embrace. Succulent spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrients, while a hint of garlic and onion lend a savory depth of flavor. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply seeking a comforting and satisfying meal, our Three-Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake is guaranteed to impress.

In addition to the classic Three-Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake, this comprehensive article offers a diverse selection of other enticing recipes to cater to various dietary preferences and culinary adventures. Embark on a culinary journey with our Vegan Spinach and Mushroom Orzo Bake, a plant-based delight that showcases the harmonious marriage of spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy cashew-based sauce. Gluten-free enthusiasts will find solace in our Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Orzo Bake, where gluten-free orzo pasta takes center stage, accompanied by tangy feta cheese and a velvety sauce. And for those who prefer a touch of spice, our Spicy Sausage and Spinach Orzo Bake ignites the palate with a medley of spicy sausage, spinach, and a vibrant tomato sauce.

Prepare to be captivated by the versatility of orzo pasta as we present a collection of delectable recipes that showcase its ability to adapt to a myriad of flavors and ingredients. From the classic comfort of our Three-Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake to the innovative flair of our Spicy Sausage and Spinach Orzo Bake, this article is your ultimate guide to creating extraordinary orzo-based dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY ORZO



Cheesy Orzo image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth or stock
2 cups orzo pasta (enriched rice may be substituted)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano or Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat a 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return broth to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender. Remove lid and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into the orzo or rice to strengthen the flavor even more.

THREE-CHEESE SPINACH ORZO BAKE



Three-Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake image

This recipe is healthy and delicious. This one-dish meal is a cross between a spinach lasagna and a pizza, but with orzo rather than wide noodles or crust. I saw this recipe in "The Washington Post". It was adapted from the cookbook, "The Six O'Clock Scramble," by Aviva Goldfarb.

Provided by blucoat

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4-1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed, excess water squeezed out
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a 9-inch glass pie plate with nonstick spray oil.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce and the Parmesan cheese. Spread the mixture in the prepared pie plate.
  • In a medium bowl, add the spinach, eggs, ricotta cheese, nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine. Spoon the mixture evenly to cover all of the pasta. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is slightly melted. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.6, Fat 6.9, SaturatedFat 3.4, Cholesterol 85.2, Sodium 459.3, Carbohydrate 21.5, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.9, Protein 12.5

THREE-CHEESE CREAMED SPINACH



Three-Cheese Creamed Spinach image

Cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish wonderfully cheesy. Sprinkle it with french-fried onions for a crisp boost of flavor. -Kathy Vazquez, Amarillo, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 cups spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until blended and heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 35g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 685mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

CREAMY ROASTED GARLIC & SPINACH ORZO



Creamy Roasted Garlic & Spinach Orzo image

This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. -Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 whole garlic bulb
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1-3/4 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2-1/2 cups chicken stock
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1 package (9 ounces) fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon salt-free garlic pepper seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Remove papery outer skin from garlic bulb but do not peel or separate the cloves. Cut off top of garlic bulb, exposing individual cloves. Drizzle cut cloves with 1 teaspoon oil. Wrap in foil. Bake 30-35 minutes or until cloves are soft. Unwrap. When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic from skins., In a Dutch oven, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add pasta; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed., Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add spinach, Asiago cheese, milk, seasoning blend, salt and roasted garlic; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 422mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHEESY BAKED ORZO WITH MARINARA



Cheesy Baked Orzo With Marinara image

A vegetarian weeknight pasta that's as comforting as it is easy, this dish will win over adults and kids alike (red-pepper flakes optional!). While fresh mozzarella can become tough and chewy when baked, shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully. Serve this with a simple, lemony arugula salad or a Caesar salad for ultimate weeknight comfort.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup orzo
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
5 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 7 cups)
1 (24- to 25-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus torn or sliced basil for serving
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees and bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the orzo and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a very large (12-inch) ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until fragrant (don't let the garlic burn), about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the spinach and a pinch of salt and cook, tossing often, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara, basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
  • Stir the cooked orzo into the sauce. Stir in the mozzarella, sprinkle the Parmesan on top, and bake, uncovered, until the Parmesan is melted and the pasta is heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with additional basil, and serve warm.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using.
  • Use a variety of cheeses to create a flavorful and complex dish. A good combination is mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
  • Don't overcook the orzo. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • If you don't have a baking dish, you can use a large skillet instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve the orzo bake immediately, topped with additional cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Conclusion:

Three-cheese spinach orzo bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover spinach. The combination of creamy cheese, tender orzo, and flavorful spinach makes this dish a winner. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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