Cheesy Spinach and Orzo Bake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

   7:00 · Cook orzo
3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

   4:00 · Cook onion
4. 4

   Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   0:30 · Cook garlic
5. 5

   Add the spinach in batches and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes.

   3:00 · Wilt spinach
6. 6

   Reduce heat to low and stir in the vegetable broth, milk, and cream cheese until smooth and combined.

   3:00 · Melt cream cheese
7. 7

   Remove from heat and stir in half the mozzarella, the parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

8. 8

   Fold in the cooked orzo until evenly coated in the sauce.

9. 9

   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.

10. 10

    Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.

11. 11

    Toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and scatter evenly over the cheese.

12. 12

    Bake until bubbly and the top is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

    20:00 · Bake
13. 13

    Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

    5:00 · Rest