Three Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy comfort of this Three Cheese Spinach Orzo Bake, a one-dish wonder perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Made with tender orzo pasta, sautéed garlic spinach, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this baked delight is both hearty and wholesome. With the addition of eggs and milk, the cheesy mixture binds together to create a rich, golden topping that bubbles to perfection in just 25 minutes. Finished with a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and an optional parsley garnish for a fresh, vibrant finish, this vegetarian pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser you'll return to again and again. Serve it as a satisfying main or a decadent side dish—either way, it's bound to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Orzo pasta
• 5 cups Baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.75 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 pieces Eggs, lightly beaten
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan, the beaten eggs, and milk. Mix well until smooth.

Step 6

Stir the cooked orzo and wilted spinach into the cheese mixture. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and mix until evenly combined.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella and 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1299.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3077.1

Total Fat 127.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 714.2mg	0%
Sodium 5070.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 337.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.9g	0%
Total Sugars 15.0g
Protein 164.7g	0%

Vitamin D 135.7IU	0%
Calcium 3339.3mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 698.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.3%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 42.8%