Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

Update : January 17, 2026

Cheesy baked orzo with colorful vegetables in a serving dish

why make this recipe

Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of cheese and pasta with the health benefits of fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It is easy to make and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying creamy, cheesy goodness.

how to make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups mushrooms, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1 lb orzo (about 2½ cups)
2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Fresh basil to serve

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a 9×13-inch dish, combine the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, dried herbs, and salt with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts.
Add the diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese, orzo, and broth. Stir everything together to combine.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Afterward, stir the mixture and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finally, top with shredded mozzarella and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly. You can optional broil for 1–2 minutes for a nice golden finish.

See full steps with tips & photos → Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

how to serve Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

This dish is best served hot from the oven. You can garnish each serving with fresh basil for extra color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
For extra cheesy goodness, mix in more mozzarella or different types of cheese before baking.
If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, just make sure to peel them and chop them fine.

variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a protein boost, you can add cooked chicken or sausage as well.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, but keep an eye on the cooking time as different pastas may require different cooking times.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta shape.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.