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The Easiest One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake. Trust me, this is going to become your new go-to for busy nights. Marinated artichokes with fresh spinach, garlic, and olive oil, all tossed together with dry orzo pasta, basil pesto, and then finished with melty fontina cheese. This tasty dish is all made in one pan without even having to boil any water. Simply mix, bake, eat, and enjoy!
Happy Monday! I’m writing this from sunny, warm Miami. Here for a very quick trip but soaking up as much of the warm weather as I can. But by the time you read this, I’ll be home.
I made this yummy bake last week and have been so excited to share it ever since. It’s so good and I think you’ll all love how easy it is to make!
If you remember from last year, I made a Caprese Orzo Bake that I quickly started to make on repeat throughout the spring and summer.
It’s such a smart cooking method that saves us all so much time. And because of that, we especially love this recipe.
I took inspiration from that recipe and applied the cooking method to this orzo bake. I just love the variety of flavors! Plus, it means that there is truly no effort to this one pan pasta dish.
Here are the details
This recipe is so simple it’s going to shock you!
Start with your baking dish. Use a casserole-style pan that can fit lots of pasta and cheese.
To the bottom of the pan, add in the olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. I used a few Italian chilies for some heat, and a small amount of paprika too.
Add dry orzo pasta right to the pan, no need to boil it!
Now, mix in the artichokes. It’s best to use jarred marinated artichoke hearts. They’ll come with a mix of oil and spices. I use the DeLallo brand.
Dump the oil and artichokes directly into the pan with the orzo for an even more delicious flavor.
Next mix in basil pesto and a pinch of chili flakes. Or try using the Calabrian chili paste I’ve been loving.
From here simply add water and bake it all up in the oven. As everything bakes together, the orzo will soak up the water and become perfectly cooked. It’s such a simple way to cook orzo pasta!
Pull the dish out, add a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese, then bake again until the cheese is all melty and bubbling up.
It’s going to smell so delicious!! The pesto really is such a nice addition to the spinach and artichokes.
Top with plenty of fresh basil and that’s literally it. SO SIMPLE, SO DELICIOUS! And I love that there’s basically no prep or extra dishes.
Simple but delicious really is the key! Especially as we head into the nice springtime weather!
Looking for other easy pasta bakes? Here are my favorites:
One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake
Lastly, if you make this Easy One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Pan Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 543 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili paste, or chili flakes, to taste
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1 jar (12 ounces) marinated artichokes, quartered (or use 2 smaller jars)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, shallots, basil, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the dry orzo, artichokes, and pesto. Pour over 2 1/4 cups of water and stir to combine. Place the spinach on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until most of the water has cooked into the pasta, but not all of it.3. Stir the pasta around, then sprinkle the cheeses overtop. Bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling. If there's a lot of oil from the pesto on top, drain off the excess. Top with fresh basil!
I just noticed my artichokes are marinated in brine. Am I able to use them and if so how do I adapt? Thx… p.s. love your books and your website
Hi there! That’s totally fine! I use marinated artichokes for this recipe as well! xT
Made this last night and served it with spicy Italian sausage links and fried zucchini. I loved that my five year old daughter could help assemble the whole orzo bake! We had so much fun and the whole family loved it! Will definitely make again.
Thank you so much for trying out the recipe! Have an amazing week! xT
could this be prepared ahead?
Hi Bridget,
Sure, that will work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xx
Loved it!! Added some shredded rotisserie chicken at the end when you mix in the cheese…..so yummy!!
Hi Rebecca,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:)
I love how easy and delicious this recipe is!
Thanks so much Jenn! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it! xT
I love this recipe!! Do you think there’s a way to add beans to it?
Hi Tania,
So glad to hear you have been enjoying this recipe! Sure, I don’t see why not:) Let me know how that turns out for you! xT
Just wanted to say that I’ve made this recipe around 5 times. It is a total favourite of my family. I mix in sliced rotisserie chicken at the cheese stage to bulk it up as a main. It is so simple but tastes like masterpiece. Thanks so much!!!
Hey Jessica,
Love to hear this!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your feedback! Have a great day! xT
My go-to dish when my vegetarian friends come over 😊 I tend to swap out veggies with whatever ingredients I have on hand, it’s so versitile.
Hey Jennifer,
Happy Wednesday!!🍊🍋 I appreciate you trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
Amazing! I haven’t had much of an appetite due to chemo treatments, but my son and husband made this tonight…best thing I’ve tasted in awhile! Super easy and healthy too!
Hey there,
Happy Wednesday!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and appreciate you making it! xT
This is so good! I didn’t have marinated artichokes so used plain, no fontina, used all mozzarella and Harissa for chili paste. Delicious! May need a bit more water to get orzo totally done.
Hey Kim,
Happy Friday!! I’m thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a lot for making it and your comment!😎🍑 xx
Super yummy!!! A nice change from tomato based pasta sauces. I’d make again!
Hi Erin,
Amazing!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it and your comment! xx