Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the Easy Boursin Orzo Bake! This dish is a total lifesaver when I want something that’s both simple and packed with flavor. Picture this: creamy Boursin cheese melting into perfectly cooked orzo, combined with juicy cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach. Wow! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I can whip it up in just about 35 minutes, which means I have more time to relax after a busy day. Trust me, once you try this Easy Boursin Orzo Bake, it’ll be on your regular dinner rotation. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it! Let’s get started on this delicious adventure!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz Boursin cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Making the Easy Boursin Orzo Bake is as simple as it gets! Let’s dive right in and get that oven preheated so we can enjoy this delicious dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect cheesy goodness!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a pot and bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. You want it cooked but still firm—trust me, it’ll soak up all that creamy flavor later!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, the luscious Boursin cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is well coated. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Now, transfer this glorious mixture into a baking dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top—this is the magic touch that makes it bubbly and golden!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
- Once it’s done, serve it hot and enjoy every single bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this Easy Boursin Orzo Bake is estimated to have around 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet light option for dinner. You’ll get about 15 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat, along with 12 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and happy. It also packs in 43 grams of carbs, with 2 grams of fiber to help balance things out. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously creamy with the rich flavor of Boursin cheese.
- Loaded with fresh veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—yay!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Want to take your Easy Boursin Orzo Bake to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to switch up the veggies—bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms work beautifully. If you’re looking for a little kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder. For a heartier dish, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for that protein boost. Oh, and if you love a crispy topping, consider mixing breadcrumbs with the parmesan before sprinkling it on top. Trust me, it adds an amazing crunch!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your Easy Boursin Orzo Bake, there are so many fun options! Try adding in some roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. If you’re a fan of spice, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or some diced jalapeños can add a nice kick. You could even swap out the spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor profile. And don’t forget about protein—chopped cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, the Easy Boursin Orzo Bake stores beautifully! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is nice and melty again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just be sure to cover it to avoid those dreaded dry edges! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin adds a unique creaminess and flavor, you can swap it for cream cheese, ricotta, or even a flavorful goat cheese. Just make sure to adjust the quantities to achieve the desired creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Easy Boursin Orzo Bake ahead of time! Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra few minutes to the cooking time.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze the baked orzo for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Easy Boursin Orzo Bake is a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a cozy dinner.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Print
Easy Boursin Orzo Bake: 5 Minute Prep for Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked orzo dish with creamy Boursin cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz Boursin cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add orzo. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Easy Boursin Orzo Bake, Boursin cheese, baked orzo, vegetarian bake, creamy pasta dish