Inspired by the viral recipe, this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of tangy savory flavor! Cooked in one dish, it bakes in less than an hour for 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.
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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 cook 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 ways to put your orzo to use? Try out the orzo recipes below!
- One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta
- Creamy Parmesan Spinach Orzo Pasta
- Egyptian Orzo Pasta
- Caprese Baked Orzo Pasta
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! Made this last night with grilled chicken and my hubby loved it-:)
Delicious! Made this last night with grilled chicken and my hubby loved it.
Thank you, Nicole! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This was so delicious! I didn’t add salt from the seasoning list because the ingredients have a lot of salt. I grilled chicken to go with this. This is going in my recipe book!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Shelby! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Can leftovers be frozen?
We don’t recommend it as the cheese doesn’t thaw well.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Oh wow this dish is absolutely fantastic especially with grilled chicken! Truly a recipe I am keeping and making on repeat!
Thank you so much, Hillary! We’re so glad you enjoy it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Delicious, the entire family liked it! I doubled the Boursin and cream to make it saucier. I also swapped orzo with macaroni to please the kiddos. I boiled the macaroni until half cooked and then added to the Boursin and everything else as written. I only used 2 cups broth (not 4) for the bake since the pasta was half cooked already.
We’re so glad you were able to make it work for you and that it was a hit. Thank you for trying it out, Hanna!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I made this tonight. Added chicken breast for extra protein. it was amazing!! Definitely will be making this again.
Thank you, April! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
question…is this good as a cold salad?
We recommend serving it warm!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
OMG!!! This was absolutely delicious! I didn’t have veg broth so used chicken and added diced rotisserie chicken after the first 30 minutes. I had to make myself stop eating it!! What would I change? More sun dried tomatoes( I guessed) and use it as a side for a cooked chicken breast or even fish. This will be added to our regulars for sure.
Thank you, Lisa! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Easy! Tasty! Perfect for any night of the week! My husband couldn’t get enough! I’ll be making this again in the near future. 😋
We’re so happy to hear this! Thank you for trying it out. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Delicious and easy dinner! Thanks for a great recipe. Added some chicken as well as Italian chicken sausage when I added in the spinach. It was delicious and everyone went back for seconds.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for trying it out, Ash. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This meets the requirements of my “favorite” category.
1. delicious
2. easy
3. simple ingredients
Thank you for making a delicious dinner easy!
Thank you, Vanessa! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This one was delicious and so easy!!
I’m not a fan of orzo so substituted ditalini and it worked perfectly. I had my doubts when I pulled it out to stir at 15 minutes (thought it was going to be watery), but trust the process, it turned out great.
Thank you, Elizabeth! We’re so glad you were able to adjust it to suit your preferences. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Loved this!! I did end up adding shrimp to it when I added the spinach and cream, cooked it to the full ten minutes and so yummy.
Yum! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Amanda! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
great dish, I forgot to purchase the olives, but everything else tasted great. Great with chicken or turkey.
Thank you, Ursula! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Delicious! I do have to say though- I tripled the recipe and there was too much liquid. I wound up removing a cup of extra liquid at the end. I also reduced the salt and added well seasoned chicken thighs.
I will absolutely make this again!!
Thanks for the recipe!
Why is this dish 1826mg of SALT???? This is insane. Totally unhealthy salt content.
The nutrition facts are an estimate! The salt content can easily be reduced depending on the specific brands/ingredients used.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Ladies was outstanding! I followed your recipe as written and at the point you stir in the spinach I also added shrimp, chicken andouille sausage and some smoked chicken. I also felt it needed a little acid so I squeezed some lemon once plated. My husband says it’s a keeper!
Yum! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This is just the kind of recipe I need in my life! Will make again and again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Elizabeth! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This is so good! I added grilled chicken on top and everyone loved it! The kids scraped their plates and went back for seconds!