Save to Pinterest This Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Bake brings together silky orzo pasta, juicy sun-dried tomatoes, sweet cherry tomatoes, and gooey cheese under a rich creamy sauce. When I need an easy but special dinner that feels both homey and full of Mediterranean sunshine, this is the first recipe I turn to.
The very first time I baked this on a chilly autumn evening it turned a regular Tuesday into a night everyone remembers. When bubbly cheese meets roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil there are never any leftovers.
Ingredients
- Orzo Pasta: Essential for this dish since it cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors Try to choose an orzo with a slight sheen and unbroken shape
- Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth Look for one that feels heavy for its size
- Garlic: Boosts savory notes and aroma Fresher cloves have tight skins and feel firm
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Offers tang and intensity Use oil-packed for better texture and flavor
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bring brightness and juiciness Pick glossy and plump ones
- Baby Spinach: Adds earthiness and a touch of green Fresher spinach will have crisp strong leaves
- Fresh Basil: Infuses a summery herbal layer The aroma should be peppery and leaves unbruised
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey strands Choose a block or freshly shredded for the best stretch
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives salty complexity A wedge is best for grating yourself
- Whole Milk: Gives creaminess Use whole for luxurious texture
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates rich tenderness Be sure it has a creamy smooth consistency
- Olive Oil: Helps combine and carry flavors Extra virgin varieties provide bolder taste
- Vegetable Broth: Adds savory body Go for low sodium to control seasoning
- Dried Oregano: Sprinkles in Mediterranean fragrance Seek out jars with strong scent
- Chili Flakes (Optional): Adds gentle heat If using check that flakes are bright red
- Salt and Black Pepper: Unlocks and balances flavors Freshly ground pepper works best
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish to stop the orzo from sticking
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat on medium Add chopped onion and cook for about four minutes stirring until it turns soft but not browned Drop in the minced garlic and keep cooking for another minute until everything smells savory and fragrant
- Add Tomatoes for Depth:
- Stir in both the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the halved cherry tomatoes Cook this mix for two to three minutes until the cherry tomatoes start to soften and release their juices
- Toast the Orzo:
- Tip in the orzo pasta and stir until every grain is slicked with oil and tomato bits This quick toasting builds a nutty flavor base
- Simmer with Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour the vegetable broth and milk into the skillet Sprinkle in the dried oregano chili flakes salt and pepper Bring to a steady simmer and cook stirring frequently for five to six minutes until the orzo just begins to soften but is still a little chewy
- Layer in Greens and Herbs:
- Add the chopped spinach and half of your fresh basil Stir well so the spinach wilts and blends in Remove the skillet from heat
- Mix in Ricotta and Cheese:
- Fold in the ricotta and half the shredded mozzarella making little pockets of creamy cheese throughout the pasta
- Transfer and Assemble:
- Pour the skillet mix into your prepared baking dish Spread it evenly Top with remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese for a perfect bubbling crust
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for fifteen minutes Remove the foil then bake another ten to fifteen minutes until the top is golden and everything is bubbling hot
- Rest and Garnish:
- Take the dish out of the oven Set aside for five minutes to set up Sprinkle extra fresh basil before serving so the color and aroma really pop
Save to Pinterest I always look forward to the perfume of fresh basil when it hits the hot pasta Nothing tastes more like summer no matter the season By the end of dinner my family is usually passing around the pan scraping out every last bit of cheesy tomato goodness
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before covering and refrigerating The flavors get even deeper the next day Store in an airtight container for up to three days For longer storage this pasta bake freezes well Wrap portions tightly and reheat gently in the oven or microwave to bring back the creamy texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out orzo for any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells if needed If you need dairy free use your favorite plant based cheeses and unsweetened oat or soy milk Chickpeas or cannellini beans make a great protein boost if you want a more filling dish
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this with a simple green salad tossed in lemony dressing and warm crusty bread on the side If you want to make this a dinner party centerpiece pour crisp white wine and add a platter of olives and marinated artichokes
A Mediterranean Pasta with History
Orzo is a beloved staple across the Mediterranean and sun-dried tomatoes have been preserved and used in Italian dishes for centuries The creamy baked style is a modern twist but pays tribute to old world rustic comfort food traditions
Seasonal Adaptations
Add roasted zucchini or eggplant in summer Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach in winter Toss in a handful of frozen peas for an extra pop of green
Success Stories
A friend made this bake for her vegetarian family at the holidays and they begged for the recipe The leftovers also make a great warm lunch and I even slice cold squares to tuck into lunchboxes
Freezer Meal Conversion
For a make ahead freezer version assemble the whole dish up to the baking step Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked When ready to serve bake directly from frozen at 350 degrees until bubbling and hot throughout
Save to Pinterest Serve warm with extra basil on top and enjoy the creamy Mediterranean flavors in every bite
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small-shaped pasta like mini shells or ditalini also works well, though cooking times may vary slightly.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Mix in cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas for extra protein while keeping the Mediterranean flavors intact.
- → Is there a vegan option available?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for vegan-friendly results without compromising flavor.
- → Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad and crusty bread make excellent complements for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
- → Which wine works best for serving?
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine enhances the savory and creamy notes of this bake.