35 minutes
A comforting baked dish featuring orzo pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses.
Orzo Pasta, Boiled until al dente
0 oz
tablespoons
Garlic, Minced
cloves
teaspoons
Baby Spinach, Fresh
0 oz
cups
Basil, Chopped
0 oz
Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
0 oz
Parmesan Cheese, Grated
0 oz
to taste
Black Pepper, Freshly ground
to taste
1. Preheat Oven and Cook Orzo
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the orzo pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a 12-inch ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red-pepper flakes, stirring until the garlic is aromatic but not burned, about 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Wilt the Spinach
Add fresh baby spinach and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Marinara and Basil
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the wilted spinach, add chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer for a few minutes.
5. Combine Orzo with Sauce
Fold the cooked orzo into the simmering sauce, ensuring it is well combined.
6. Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the orzo mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
Let the baked orzo rest for a moment after removing it from the oven, then serve hot, garnished with additional torn basil leaves.
To achieve a deep, rich flavor, use a good quality marinara sauce. If you have the time, consider making a homemade marinara with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil. Simmer it slowly to let the flavors meld.
Before cooking, lightly toast the orzo in a bit of olive oil until it's golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta hold its shape better during baking.
Consider adding a base of sautéed onions, garlic, or even shallots. Cooking these in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant before adding the marinara can build a deeper flavor profile.
Use a blend of cheeses to get a more complex flavor. Combining mozzarella for its meltability, parmesan or pecorino for sharpness, and a touch of goat cheese or ricotta for creaminess can enhance the dish's overall taste. Freshly grating your cheese ensures it melts better and integrates more smoothly.
To prevent the top from drying out, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking, then remove it to achieve that lovely golden-brown top. Adjust your broil setting if necessary to ensure you get a perfect, bubbly cheese topping without overcooking.
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