Baked Orzo with Artichokes and Cheese

1. Sauté Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil and butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced whites of scallions, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soften.

2. Add Artichokes and Seasonings

Incorporate the artichoke hearts into the pan with lemon zest, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

3. Deglaze and Combine with Orzo

Pour in lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Stir in orzo, followed by the greens of the scallions, minced parsley, mint, and chives. Add the cubed mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.

4. Bake the Orzo

Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish if needed. Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the orzo is cooked and the top is golden and crisp.