Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of perfectly cooked pasta, the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, and a golden, cheesy top that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This Baked Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is not just a recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even golden coloration and to enhance the nutty flavor.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the orzo mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the orzo, creating an even cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy your baked orzo with sun-dried tomatoes.
Tips
- Toast the orzo carefully: The key to amazing flavor is toasting the pasta before baking. Watch it closely and stir constantly to achieve a golden color without burning.
- Choose quality sun-dried tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to set perfectly.
- Customize your cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like adding some crumbled feta or switching up the mozzarella.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Watch the liquid ratio: Ensure you have enough broth to cook the orzo completely without drying out the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the mixture before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
