Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake is a fantastic dish that combines simple ingredients with ease of preparation. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe comes together quickly and promises a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of orzo, asparagus, and creamy soup creates a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups asparagus, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the orzo, chopped asparagus, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
This Orzo Bake can be served directly from the baking dish for a casual family dinner. It’s excellent on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a more complete meal.
How to Store Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Make sure to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Tips to Make Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
- For added flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage to the mixture.
- Swap out asparagus for any seasonal vegetable, like spinach or bell peppers.
- If you like a crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Variation
To make this dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat. You can also try different types of cheese based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while orzo is delicious, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even whole grain pasta.
2. Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free orzo or use rice instead, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
3. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going from the fridge.
Easy Weeknight Orzo Bake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups asparagus, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the orzo, chopped asparagus, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
