Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh and savory flavors, you absolutely have to try this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake. This delightful casserole combines tender orzo pasta with the rich, herby creaminess of Boursin cheese, uplifted by sun-dried tomatoes and luscious spinach. It is a one-dish wonder that takes less than an hour from start to finish and produces a meal so satisfying even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake plays a crucial part in layering flavor and texture. The combination is simple but carefully selected to create a luscious, balanced dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

• Boursin cheese block: Brings a smooth, creamy texture with garlic and herb notes that make this dish special.
• Orzo (1 pound): Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully while staying tender.
• Garlic cloves (4, chopped fine): Adds a fragrant depth that enhances each bite.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Offers tangy sweetness and a chewy contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, chopped): Provide briny richness that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps marry the flavors and gives a silky finish.
• Vegetable stock (4 cups): The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Give a gentle warmth that wakes up the palate.
• Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes classic Mediterranean herb aroma.
• Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy, subtle savory notes.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and sharpness.
• Spinach (2 cups): Brings freshness, color, and a healthy bite.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkles nutty, salty richness to finish the bake.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together.

How to Make Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready when you assemble the dish. This high temperature is perfect for cooking the orzo evenly and melting the cheeses into a creamy delight.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

In a large baking dish, place the entire Boursin cheese block right in the center. Surround the cheese with uncooked orzo, finely chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped Kalamata olives. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top to help blend the flavors and promote a golden finish.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Vegetables Stock

In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable stock, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned broth is the secret to infusing the orzo with vibrant flavors as it cooks. Pour this liquid gently over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring everything is evenly submerged.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, but make sure to stir the pasta gently halfway through at 15 minutes to prevent sticking and to encourage even cooking. This step helps the orzo absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add Spinach, Parmesan, and Cream

After the initial bake, remove the foil and fold in fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. These ingredients will not only add creamy richness but also freshen the dish with vibrant green color and an extra cheesy layer of flavor.

Step 6: Final Bake Uncovered

Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This final step allows the spinach to wilt gently and lets the cheese and cream meld into a perfectly creamy, luscious sauce that coats every grain of orzo.

How to Serve Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a beautiful burst of green and a fresh herbaceous note to the warm, creamy dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, a few shaved Parmesan curls on top create an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake with a light side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also make fantastic companions, rounding out the meal with extra texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Present the dish in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party or serve it straight from the baking dish for cozy family-style dining. For a festive touch, top the orzo with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up the sauce overnight, becoming even more flavorful, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner option the next day.

Freezing

This Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the spinach texture may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This will bring back the creamy texture and ensure the dish tastes fresh and comforting every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Absolutely! While Boursin cheese gives this bake its signature herbaceous creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or a soft goat cheese for a tangier twist. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

This version contains dairy products like Boursin cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream, so it is not vegan. However, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese, plant-based cream, and nutritional yeast to replicate the creamy texture and cheesy flavor for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Can I add protein to this bake?

Definitely! To make the meal heartier, consider adding cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or shredded chicken. Toss them in during the last baking stage, so they warm through without drying out.

What if I don’t have orzo? Can I use another pasta?

Orzo works best because of its tiny, rice-like shape that evenly blends with the cheese and spinach. But you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells, adjusting the cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.

How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavor without making the dish hot. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit them entirely.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe once you try this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake, it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors—all effortlessly prepared in one dish. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious, soul-satisfying bake.