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Heavenly Vegetable and Ricotta Baked Orzo for Cozy Nights

Heavenly Vegetable and Ricotta Baked Orzo for Cozy Nights

Heavenly Vegetable and Ricotta Baked Orzo for Cozy Nights is a comforting dish packed with flavors and nutrition.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large oven-safe skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo Base

  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced

For the Vegetables

  • 1 medium Zucchini diced
  • 1 medium Carrot diced
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional

For the Creamy Mixture

  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese divided
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish

Seasoning Essentials

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the onion in a large oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium heat until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Stir in diced zucchini, carrot, and red bell pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to blister.
  • Combine the cooked orzo into the skillet, mixing well.
  • Mix ricotta, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
  • Fold the ricotta mixture and spinach into the skillet with the orzo and veggies until well combined.
  • Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  • Cool slightly, garnish with chopped basil, and serve warm.

Notes

This dish is perfect for cozy nights and can be made ahead of time to save on preparation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
Keyword baked, Comfort Food, Cozy, orzo, ricotta, vegetable
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