Marry Me Orzo (Dump & Bake!)
Ingredients
- 1 lborzo
- 3 cbroccoli florets
cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cvegetable broth
- 1 cheavy cream
- ½ csun-dried tomatoes
packed in oil, roughly chopped
- 4 clovesgarlic
minced
- ½ tspeach salt
crushed red pepper flakes, oregano
- ¼ tspeach ground black pepper
smoked paprika
- ½ cgrated parmesan cheese
- 2handfuls fresh spinach
roughly chopped
- 2 tbspfresh chopped basil
Directions
- 1
Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large (9x13 inch or similar) casserole dish.
- 2
Dump: To the prepared dish, dump in 1 lb orzo*, 3 cups broccoli florets, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ tsp each salt, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, and ¼ tsp each ground black pepper, smoked paprika.
- 3
Bake: Stir to combine then cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes*, or until orzo is al dente (mostly tender but still has a little firmness in the middle).
- 4
Stir Ins: Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 handfuls fresh spinach, and 2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Orzo should be tender when finished.
- 5
Serve warm, topped with more fresh basil and parmesan, with crusty bread on the side!
Marry Me Orzo (Dump & Bake!)
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About this Recipe
Looking for an incredibly easy, yet utterly satisfying weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself? This Marry Me Orzo (Dump & Bake!) recipe promises a cozy, creamy vegetarian bake that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. It tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes, making it a true kitchen hero.
The genius of this orzo casserole lies in its sheer simplicity: all the ingredients, from the pasta to the rich creamy sauce and fresh vegetables, come together in one dish, eliminating excess cleanup and fuss. It's a true dump and bake dinner solution, delivering impressive, restaurant-worthy flavors with minimal hands-on effort, perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner to cook itself.
Prepare your taste buds for a comforting bowl of perfectly tender orzo pasta, enveloped in a luxurious, savory sauce. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of aromatic garlic, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Fresh, bite-sized broccoli florets add a welcome pop of vibrant green and a touch of wholesome texture, while delicate spinach melts seamlessly into the creamy base. The grated Parmesan cheese lends a salty, nutty finish, creating a deeply satisfying vegetarian pasta experience that feels both indulgent and effortlessly wholesome. You'll love how the fresh basil brightens every bite.
This versatile orzo bake easily adapts to your pantry and preferences. For different textures, swap the broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. If sun-dried tomatoes aren't your favorite, consider roasted red peppers packed in oil as a delicious alternative. To adjust the heat, simply increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. While this is a hearty vegetarian dish, you could easily stir in some cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein if desired.
This Marry Me Orzo is the ultimate centerpiece for a relaxed weeknight meal or a comforting weekend lunch. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and a crusty slice of bread for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.