Description
This One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake is a cheesy, comforting dinner made with tender orzo, marinated artichokes, fresh spinach, pesto, and melty mozzarella and fontina. It’s a quick, flavor-packed dish baked all in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1–2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste or chili flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1 jar (12 ounces) marinated artichokes, quartered (or use 2 smaller jars)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, shallots, basil, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the dry orzo, artichokes, and pesto. Pour over 2 1/4 cups of water and stir to combine.
4. Place the chopped spinach on top.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until most of the water has absorbed into the pasta but not all of it.
6. Stir the pasta around to mix in the spinach.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella and fontina cheeses evenly over the top.
8. Bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
9. If there’s excess oil from the pesto on top, carefully drain it off.
10. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Feel free to swap in frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.
You can substitute other cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or gruyère based on what you have.
To make it a full meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans before baking.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 543
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg