CREAMY BAKED ORZO BEST DINNER

Imagine twirling a fork through a dish where perfectly cooked orzo swims in a sea of creamy, cheesy goodness, each bite a comforting explosion of flavor. This Creamy Baked Orzo recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Get ready to discover your new go-to dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying – I promise you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

For the Orzo:

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, but recommended)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cooked vegetables (broccoli, peas, spinach, etc.)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped

Why You’ll Adore This Baked Orzo

Let’s be honest, sometimes weeknight dinners feel like a chore. You’re tired, hungry, and the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is less than appealing. That’s where this Creamy Baked Orzo shines! It’s a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you need something comforting and delicious on the table quickly.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The orzo is cooked to al dente perfection in flavorful broth, then baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a truly personalized dish. It’s a fantastic option when planning for One-pan Sausage Orzo and wanting something different.

If you are like me, you’re always looking for Cheesy Chicken Orzo and Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo dishes!

The Secret to the Best Creamy Texture

Okay, let’s talk about the creamy factor. This is where the magic happens! The key is to use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. The Parmesan provides a nutty, savory flavor, while the Pecorino Romano adds a salty, tangy kick. If you can’t find Pecorino Romano, don’t worry, you can use all Parmesan.

Another important tip is to use high-quality heavy cream. This will ensure that your sauce is rich and velvety smooth. Finally, don’t skimp on the butter! Butter adds richness and helps to create a beautiful, glossy sauce.

This recipe is perfect for creating Chicken Pot Pie Orzo; you can add chicken and veggies.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses (if using). If you’re adding any cooked chicken or vegetables, dice them into bite-sized pieces. This is a great place to begin when thinking about Creamy Lemon Orzo. These steps allow you to plan for Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the dish bitter.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. This step helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the orzo and prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. I always plan ahead and prep so this dish is one of my favorite Make Ahead Weeknight Meals.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Bake

Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broth has been absorbed. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. This is a great addition to any Yummy Weeknight Dinners list.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Cream

Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese (if using), butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly. I am always looking for Healthy Dinners Cheap and this fits the bill.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients (if using)

If you’re adding any cooked chicken or vegetables, stir them into the orzo at this point. Gently fold them in so they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Broil for Extra Cheesiness (Optional)

For an extra cheesy and bubbly top, you can broil the orzo for a few minutes. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Creamy Baked Orzo!

Troubleshooting & Tips for Success

• Orzo sticking together? Make sure you toast the orzo before adding the broth. This helps to prevent it from becoming mushy and sticking together.
• Sauce too thick? Add a splash of extra broth or cream to thin it out.
• Sauce too thin? Simmer the orzo on the stovetop for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
• Don’t overcook the orzo. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant. Check it frequently while baking and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s tender.
• Use a good quality cheese. The flavor of the cheese will make a big difference in the final dish.

This is a simple dish to prepare, so I use it often for Work Prep Meals.

Make it Your Own: Flavor Variations

The beauty of this Creamy Baked Orzo is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
• Seafood: Add cooked shrimp, scallops, or crab meat.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill and thyme.
• Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a splash of white wine.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature version of this Creamy Baked Orzo!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Baked Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to moisten it up.

Final Thoughts: Your New Family Favorite

This Creamy Baked Orzo is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious and comforting meal that you can share with your loved ones. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and everything in between. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience! You will find yourself making this dish again and again.

Creamy Baked Orzo

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Baked Orzo recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Orzo pasta is cooked in flavorful broth and then baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese optional
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses (if using).
• In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the broth has been absorbed.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese (if using), butter, and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• If desired, add optional ingredients like cooked chicken or vegetables and stir to combine.
• For an extra cheesy top, broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Leftover Creamy Baked Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Toasting the orzo prevents sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream. If the sauce is too thin, simmer on the stovetop to thicken. Don’t overcook the orzo. Try Mediterranean, Spicy, Vegetarian, Seafood, Lemon Herb, or Mushroom variations.