Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake

$- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color for variety) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb flavor) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish The main ingredients for my Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake come together to create a tasty dish. The orzo pasta serves as a creamy base, soaking up flavors. Olive oil gives a rich taste and helps the veggies cook. For the veggies, I use bright cherry tomatoes, tender zucchini, and colorful bell peppers. They add texture and taste. I also mince fresh garlic, which brings a wonderful aroma. Spinach adds color and nutrition, wilting down in the mix. The showstopper is the Boursin cheese. Its creamy texture and garlic-herb flavor make everything taste amazing. I also add vegetable broth to keep it moist. Fresh lemon zest and juice give a bright, zesty kick. Seasoning is key! I use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Lastly, I sprinkle Parmesan on top for a cheesy, golden finish. Fresh basil or parsley garnishes the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy crafting this delightful Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help the dish cook evenly. Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring this to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. In a big skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced zucchini, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still colorful. Now, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and stir for 1 minute. The garlic should smell fragrant but not burnt. Finally, fold in 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Cook just until it wilts, which takes about a minute. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked orzo and the sautéed veggies. Then, crumble in 1 package of Boursin cheese. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't forget to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything until the orzo and veggies are well-coated with the creamy cheese. Carefully transfer the orzo mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a cheesy layer that will turn golden when baked. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, looking for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. - To achieve al dente orzo, cook it in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check for doneness a minute before the package time ends. - To avoid burnt garlic, add it after the veggies have softened. Cook for just 1 minute. This brings out the flavor without bitterness. - For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. - You can swap Boursin cheese for cream cheese or feta for a different taste. Adding cooked chicken or shrimp also makes it heartier. - Serve the orzo bake straight from the dish for a cozy feel. For a fancier look, scoop portions onto plates. - Top each serving with fresh basil or parsley. This not only adds color but also brightens the flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They will enhance the overall taste and vibrancy of your orzo bake. Adjust the Cheese: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, feel free to add more Boursin or mix in other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for added creaminess. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble everything and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! Experiment with Additions: Feel free to customize your orzo bake by adding proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out veggies in this recipe. Try using asparagus or bell peppers. These choices add color and crunch. If you want a vegan or dairy-free dish, use a plant-based cheese. There are many great options available. Just check the labels to ensure they're dairy-free. Switching up cheese can change the flavor. You might try feta or goat cheese. Adding different herbs can also elevate the taste. Fresh thyme or dill can add a great twist. If you want more protein, add chicken or shrimp. Just cook them before mixing in with the orzo. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, you have two great options: the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place a serving in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the orzo bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps the cheese stay creamy and the dish warm throughout. You can swap Boursin cheese with other creamy cheeses. Cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta work well. Add herbs and garlic to mimic the flavor. This keeps the dish rich and tasty. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Just follow the recipe and let it cool. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Bake it later when you’re ready to enjoy. This orzo bake pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it until warm before serving for the best taste. This blog covers how to make a tasty Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. You learned how to pick veggies, cook orzo, and maximize flavors. I shared ideas for making it your own and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, experimenting with flavors can make this dish uniquely yours. Enjoy this easy recipe and happy cooking!$

Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Zesty Lemon Orzo Bake featuring creamy Boursin cheese! This easy baked orzo recipe combines vibrant vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes, giving you a deliciously creamy orzo dish that’s perfect for any meal. Serve it as a side or main course. Don’t miss out on this flavorful Boursin cheese pasta bake! Click to check out the full recipe and save for later! #OrzoRecipes #BakedPasta #VegetarianMeals #ComfortFood

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color for variety)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh baby spinach

1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb flavor)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside.

In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for about 1 more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

Gently fold in the baby spinach to the skillet, cooking just until it wilts down, which should take only a minute or so.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed vegetable mixture, crumbled Boursin cheese, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the orzo and vegetables are well-coated with the creamy cheese and seasonings.

Carefully transfer the orzo mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a cheesy layer that will become golden when baked.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown, indicating it’s ready.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For a rustic vibe, serve the orzo bake directly from the baking dish. Alternatively, for a more polished look, spoon individual portions onto plates and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Enjoy this delightful dish!