Next Post
Chocolate Chip Nutella Oatmeal Cookies.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
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.
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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Am trying this recipe and I am not clear on whether you include the marinade from the artichokes or not.
Hi Alena,
Yes, you will want to use the marinade from the artichokes:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this recipe! xT
Would you switch anything up if you decide to cook this in the crockpot? More water or less orzo?
Hi Dominique,
So sorry, I have never tested this recipe in the crockpot, so I honestly am not sure how it would work for you. Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xT
It took a little bit longer than the recipe called (15-20 extra mins) but I’m chalking that up to oven variances. This was a slam dunk! We’ve been adding whatever veggies we have on hand in addition to the artichokes and spinach; such a versatile dish!
Hey Jennifer,
Happy Friday!!😎 I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it and your review! xT
Just made this for dinner and it was so easy and tasty! What a great weeknight meal!
Hey there,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and I appreciate you making it! xT
Love love loved this recipe! Thoughts on adding a protein? Would love to add chicken or something –
Hi Jodi,
Happy Wednesday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! Pre-cooked chicken would be great to add!☀️🌈 xT
This is the first Half Baked Harvest recipe I’ve ever made and I took the risk of trying it for a dinner party. Huge hit! One of our guests was a vegetarian, but everyone loved it. And it was easy so I was able to enjoy myself instead of slaving away in the kitchen. I will make this again.
Hi Megan,
Happy Sunday!!😃🍊 I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it was delish! xx
We forewent the chili paste and went extra on the spinach. We love making a meal that will undoubtedly be leftovers and this was the ticket. Also, a little balsamic glaze on top and some roasted pine nuts really sealed the deal nicely.
Hey Lauren,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have a great weekend!! xT
We enjoyed this as a cozy Sunday evening meal watching the new Perry Mason in front of the fire (suddenly got cold in NorCal!). I think next time we’ll throw in more spinach because it’s easiest enough to do without taking over the dish. I would say be liberal with the salt and test the Calabrian chili paste — we used 1/2 a tbsp. and that was enough for some nice heat!
Hey Ann,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it! xx
Should I drain the artichokes first or use the oil marinade?
Hi jules,
For this recipe, I did not drain my artichokes:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love this dish! xT
Hi Tieghan! I’m obsessed with this recipe. Do you think it would freeze well?
Hey Vanessa,
So glad to hear you have been enjoying this recipe!! Sure, I don’t see why not! Let me know if you have any other questions! xx
made this several times for dinner parties. love love love
Hey Sue,
Happy Sunday!!☀️🧁 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
Made this last night for friends and they all went back for seconds! Using the Delallo brand artichokes worked well as they aren’t in pure oil. I used chicken broth instead of water as a little extra flavor. Would definitely make again and think the squeeze of lemon would add some brightness.
Hey Lisa,
Fantastic!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I’m so glad it was delish! Have a great weekend:) xx
I’ve made this recipe before and it’s so good but I’m making it today for family and I just remembered there is a nut allergy in the family. What can I substitute the basil pesto with red sauce?
Hey Brooke,
Fantastic!! I appreciate you making this recipe and your comment, so glad to hear it was delish! Sure, that would work! You could also make your own pesto without nuts:) xT
I make my basil pesto with sunflower seeds and tastes the same with no nuts!
Great idea Sharon!!
I’d like to try this recipe with cauliflower rice instead of orzo. How much liquid do you think I should remove? I’m not opposed to creamy “rice”. Thanks for such a delicious healthy recipes.
Hi Beth,
So sorry, I honestly don’t know. I have never really worked with cauliflower rice. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Making it now it smells delicious. I think the recipe forgets to include the lemon squeeze. Luckily I watched the vid before I stuck it in the oven. Stay tuned!,
I hope you love this recipe Shelby!!
Great recipe, perfect as the weather gets cooler here in Australia, and super easy to do.
I hate changing one of HBH recipes but I had some chicken I needed to cook or throw out. I added some pan-fired chicken tenderloins coated in smoked paprika and it was a perfect addition. Thanks again for this recipe.
Hey Darren,
Fantastic!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it and sharing your review:)