There’s something so comforting about a bubbling casserole dish of cheesy pasta pulled hot from the oven.

This cheesy baked orzo with vegetables is one of those cozy, nourishing meals I love making when I need dinner to be hearty, flavorful, and hands-off.

The tender roasted veggies, melty mozzarella, and creamy ricotta folded into fire-roasted tomatoes turn humble orzo into something special.

It’s a dish I’ve made again and again for family dinners—and it never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly easy—just toss everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work.

The mix of mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes adds rich, veggie-forward flavor.

It makes a big batch, so it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

You can swap in whatever veggies or broth you have on hand!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Orzo – This rice-shaped pasta cooks perfectly in the oven, soaking up all the flavor.

Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and a hint of richness.

Diced tomatoes – Fire-roasted if possible, for added depth.

Spinach – Wilts into the pasta for a fresh, nutritious boost.

Mozzarella – Melts over the top for that perfect cheesy finish.

Onion, mushrooms, red bell pepper, garlic – The flavorful veggie base.

Dried herbs + red pepper flakes – Add warmth and a touch of heat.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t skip pre-roasting the veggies—it deepens the flavor and keeps them from getting soggy.

Stir halfway through baking to help the orzo cook evenly.

If using low-sodium broth, you might want to add a touch more salt to taste.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Roast the veggies

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine diced onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, dried basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add spinach

Remove from the oven and stir in the chopped spinach until it starts to wilt from the heat of the roasted veggies.

Step 4: Stir in the sauces and cheese

Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and ricotta cheese to the dish.

Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Add pasta and broth

Stir in the dry orzo and broth.

Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Bake the pasta

Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for 15 minutes.

Stir, then bake for another 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 7: Top with cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.

Bake for another 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

For golden-brown cheese, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 8: Let it rest

Remove from oven and let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving.

What to Serve It With

A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

Garlic bread or focaccia makes a perfect side for soaking up the sauce.

Serve with grilled chicken or roasted sausage for extra protein.

Variations / Substitutions

Use zucchini or eggplant instead of mushrooms.

Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if needed.

Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Swap in gluten-free orzo or other small pasta shapes if desired.

Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything up to the final baking step. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Does orzo get mushy when baked?
Nope—as long as you don’t overbake and stir halfway, it stays perfectly al dente.

Can I add protein like chicken or sausage?
Definitely. Add pre-cooked diced chicken or crumbled sausage in step 4 before baking.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I use instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt works in a pinch.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a larger roasting pan and adjust bake time slightly as needed.

Will this work with other pasta?
It’s best with orzo, but other small pastas like ditalini or pearl couscous can work.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy baked orzo with vegetables has become one of my go-to comfort food recipes.

It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping lunches for the week, this one-pan wonder hits the spot every time.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables

This cheesy baked orzo with vegetables is a delicious one-dish meal bursting with savory flavors and creamy textures. Roasted veggies, tender orzo, and ricotta cheese come together with fire-roasted tomatoes and melted mozzarella for a hearty, comforting bake that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cups mushrooms diced
• 3.5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1.2 teaspoon salt
• 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
• 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes, fire-roasted if possible
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 lb. orzo dry (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil to serve

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well. Roast for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and stir in chopped spinach until wilted.
5. Add diced tomatoes and ricotta. Mix to combine.
6. Stir in dry orzo and broth. Mix until fully incorporated.
7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
8. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/cheesy-baked-orzo-with-vegetables/

Notes

Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes work well too.

Use fresh basil for garnish to brighten the dish.

You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.