Inspired by the viral recipe, this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake is full of creamy, cheesy goodness with a burst of tangy sun-dried tomato flavor.! Baked in one dish, it takes less than an hour to whip up a satisfying side dish or main course that will get you in and out of the kitchen fast!
This recipe was inspired by and adapted from Sammy Montgoms Boursin Spinach & Sun-dried Tomato Orzo Bake.
Table of Contents
What Is a Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake?
This recipe is a delicious, hearty pasta dish that combines orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, with creamy Boursin cheese sauce. Then, spinach is incorporated for a nutritious boost, sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of color and a burst of sweet, tangy flavor, and our version includes garlic and olives for extra tang!
The dish is typically baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and the flavors have melded together, creating a comforting and savory casserole-style recipe that can be served as a side dish or complete meal. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying pasta bake with a unique twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of simple ingredients combine to create a rich, Mediterranean-inspired pasta bake the whole family will adore!
- Orzo – Tiny, rice-shaped pasta. If preferred, rice can be substituted.
- Garlic – Whole, fresh cloves are best.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, salty taste we love. If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes will also work.
- Kalamata Olives – Included for healthy fats and extra tang.
- Olive Oil – Helps cook and caramelize the veggies.
- Boursin Cheese – This is a type of soft creamy cheese typically flavored with garlic and herbs. If you can’t find Boursin, feta or goat cheese will also work!
- Vegetable Stock – Used to cook the orzo, infusing rich flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Parmesan Cheese – For the best taste and texture, buy a block of Parmesan, and grate it yourself!
- Heavy Cream – This is key to creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Seasonings – Red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper create a savory, herbaceous taste with a hint of spice.
Simplify Dinner with One-Pan Boursin Orzo
With minimal prep time and a quick cooking time, this Boursin orzo recipe is sure to become one of your go-to comfort food dishes!
- Combine. Place the Boursin cheese in the center of a large baking dish. Add the orzo, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Drizzle the oil on top.
- Season the Stock. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable stock and seasonings. Pour the liquid into the baking dish, covering the ingredients.
- Bake. Cover with aluminum foil, and bake until the orzo is tender, stirring halfway through.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients. Stir in the spinach, parmesan, and heavy cream.
- Bake Again. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake until the spinach wilts and the sauce is well combined and creamy.
Storing and Reheating
This recipe is best served right away while it’s still hot and fresh! However, if you do have leftovers, they can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat your Boursin orzo in the microwave in intervals of 30 seconds, or warm it in a greased skillet over medium heat.
Common Questions About This Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe
Just continue to bake with the dish covered until the orzo is tender.
Absolutely! Feel free to add any protein you like best. For instance, chicken, shrimp, ground beef, turkey, or tofu would all taste great.
Some people like to rinse orzo before baking it to help remove any excess starch and prevent the sauce from becoming soupy.
Orzo has more carbs and protein than rice. It is also a good source of thiamin, niacin, folate, iron, and zinc. Rice has more zinc than orzo but smaller amounts of other nutrients. So, the healthiest option depends on your specific needs!
More Ways to Use Orzo
Looking for more delicious dishes made with orzo? Try some of these other tempting recipes that put the tiny pasta to good use!
- One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta
- Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo Pasta
- Egyptian Orzo Pasta
- Caprese Baked Orzo Pasta
- Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake
Ingredients
- 1 Boursin cheese block
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 4 garlic cloves chopped fine
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
- In a large baking dish, place the Boursin cheese in the center.1 Boursin cheese block
- Add the uncooked orzo, chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the baking dish with the Boursin cheese. Drizzle the oil on top.1 pound uncooked orzo, 4 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable stock, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.4 cups vegetable stock, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the seasoned vegetable stock mixture over the orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring the pasta gently after 15 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir in the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.2 cups spinach, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the cheese and cream are fully incorporated into the dish.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this dish and took it to a church pot luck. It was easy, foolproof, very tasty, and stayed hot until we ate. I will definitely be making this dish again since my husband didn’t get any and he said it smelled so GOOD!
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
The dish is phenomenal! Even my 2 year old cleaned her plate. I marinated some chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and grilled it. Served on the side with the orzo and dinner was chef’s kiss!
Thank you, Danica! We’re so happy to hear this! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
When would you suggest adding a protein? I would most likely use chicken and don’t know if it should be precooked or can be raw.
We recommend adding cooked protein to the finished dish. We hope you enjoy, Andi!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I’m cooking for one. Can leftovers be frozen?
We wouldn’t recommend it as they aren’t likely to thaw well!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
just made this using arborio rice since I didn’t have any orzo. It was incredible! Thank you!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for trying it out, Leah. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
loved the flavour but was very stogey not sure what I did wrong x
Sorry, we’re not quite sure what you mean by stogey?
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
has anyone tried this in a crockpot or multicooker?
Hi Kimberly,
As far as we know no one has tested it in a crockpot. We’re not sure it would turn out well as the orzo might become a little soggy.
We’d love to know how it turns out if you do give it a try!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
You always see those recipes where people say “My family could not get enough of this”. That is THIS recipe. I have made this 3 times (I leave out the olives) and my family loves it. It feeds more than 4. I’d say 6-8. You will not regret this.
Thank you so much, Andrea! We’re glad you enjoy it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I didn’t have Orzo so I substituted Orborio rice and it turned out perfect!
We’re so glad! Thank you for trying it out, Nancy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I know the nutrition facts are an estimate but I think there is a mistake on the calories. This says kcal which would mean over 7000 calories a serving. Did you mean just cal? I know it’s an estimate but that’s a 6000 calorie different so definitely not an estimating issue.
Hi Danielle! It’s roughly 700 calories per serving. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
What would a good substitute be for the Boursin cheese? Unfortunately my local stores don’t carry it, the party poopers.
You can make your own with cream cheese! This is a great recipe for it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Muy rico y delicioso 😋 It has become my son’s favorite dish, now. Very tasty & delicious 😍
Thank you very much!!!
👏👏🫶🙌🙌
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out, Liz!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Yum! My family loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Marylou! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Your recipes are awesome !!!
Thank you so much, Linda! We’re glad you enjoy them. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Note to self: do not sub with chickpea orzo! Turns into mush
Yes! Definitely not a good swap! We’re sorry that happened, Mary.
We hope you give the recipe another shot. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa