Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo Bake combines tender orzo pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herb-infused Boursin cheese for a comforting and easy-to-make vegetarian casserole. Enhanced with fresh spinach and basil, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner or side dish with a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly torn
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
Cheese
- 1 (5.3 ounce) package Boursin garlic and herb cheese
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces orzo pasta (about 2 cups)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, about 1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, drizzle olive oil and toss it with cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and approximately 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Create a small well in the center of the tomatoes and place the Boursin garlic and herb cheese inside. Bake this mixture for 10 minutes to soften the tomatoes and melt the cheese.
- Add orzo and spinach: Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently toss the tomatoes to mix them evenly. Add the orzo pasta, broth, Italian seasoning, and torn spinach leaves to the dish. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, or until the orzo has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Once cooked, stir the orzo bake again to incorporate all the ingredients fully. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and black pepper if necessary. Sprinkle the fresh, thinly sliced basil leaves on top before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a non-vegetarian option, use chicken broth; vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes such as acini di pepe or fregola.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try roasting the garlic with the tomatoes longer before mixing.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adjust salt carefully since Boursin cheese already adds a salty flavor to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
