Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of three cheeses, the delicate texture of perfectly cooked orzo, and the vibrant goodness of fresh spinach - all baked to golden perfection. This Spinach and Orzo Pie is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or round baking pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped fresh spinach over medium heat until wilted and excess moisture has evaporated, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Add the cooked orzo and wilted spinach to the cheese mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pie is set in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the pie to set and makes serving easier.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm as a main dish or side course. Can be garnished with fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, ensure you drain the orzo thoroughly and pat the spinach dry to prevent excess moisture in your pie.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor - the difference is noticeable!
- Let the pie rest for exactly 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
- For a crispy top, consider sprinkling some extra Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- This pie can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Experiment with adding herbs like fresh basil or thyme to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
