There’s something undeniably cozy about a cheesy baked dish, and my Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables is no exception! Imagine twirling a fork into a warm, gooey mix of orzo pasta enveloped in melted cheese and vibrant veggies. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The best part? It’s so easy to whip up. I love how the orzo absorbs all that delicious vegetable broth, creating a comforting texture that pairs perfectly with the gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. Plus, you get to sneak in those colorful veggies, making it both a delightful and nutritious meal. Trust me, this dish is bound to become a family favorite, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday feast. Let’s dive into how to make this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s happening, you can grab your ingredients and get everything ready. It makes the whole process smoother and more fun! I always find that having everything prepped and in reach makes for a less chaotic cooking experience. Trust me on this one!
Cooking the Orzo
Now, let’s cook that orzo! In a medium pot, bring your vegetable broth to a boil—oh, the aroma is already divine! Once it’s bubbling, add in the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! Once it’s done, drain the orzo and return it to the pot. We’re setting the stage for cheesy magic!
Mixing Ingredients
Time to stir things up! To the pot with the cooked orzo, add the olive oil and garlic powder for that extra flavor kick. Toss in your mixed vegetables—bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are my favorites, but feel free to mix it up! Then, add half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Baking the Dish
Transfer your cheesy orzo mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—because who doesn’t love extra cheese, right? Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. Wow, just wait until you see it come out, it’ll smell heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Packed with colorful vegetables for a healthy boost.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
- Cheesy goodness that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
To really nail this Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables, here are my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand—spinach, broccoli, or even frozen mixed veggies work great! If you’re a cheese lover like me, try mixing in some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a delightful twist. Also, feel free to prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables! Each serving has about 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 3g of fiber and 3g of sugar in there. Remember, these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of the comforting goodness you’re indulging in!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What kind of vegetables can I use? Feel free to get creative! Any veggies you love will work here. Spinach, broccoli, or even cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions. The more colorful, the better!
Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, definitely! You can mix in cooked chicken, sausage, or even some chickpeas for a hearty boost. It’s a great way to make it even more filling!
How do I reheat leftovers? To maintain that cheesy goodness, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Is this dish gluten-free? Unfortunately, traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. But you can easily swap it with gluten-free pasta for a similar result!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of my Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Easy peasy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on cooking with orzo, you can visit The Spruce Eats.
And if you’re looking for more vegetarian options, check out our vegetarian recipes.
Print
Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables: 5 Cozy Comforts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish of orzo pasta baked with cheese and mixed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain orzo and return it to the pot.
- Stir in olive oil, garlic powder, mixed vegetables, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer.
- You can add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheesy Baked Orzo, Orzo Recipe, Vegetable Orzo