Description
A comforting and flavorful bake made with orzo pasta, Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (lightly packed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick spray or oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the flavors start to come together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the sausage and spinach mixture. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg