Imagine a dish that combines the creamy comfort of pasta, the fresh crunch of zucchini, and a melty cheese topping that'll make your mouth water instantly. This Oodles of Orzo Zucchini Bake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the zucchini into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced zucchini, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the orzo and zucchini mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and the zucchini is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or additional Italian herbs if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to cook orzo al dente—it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Use fresh zucchini and dice it uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after baking—this helps the cheese set and flavors meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic or red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best overall flavor profile.
- This dish is incredibly versatile—feel free to add cooked chicken or ground turkey for extra protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
