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Creamy Baked Mediterranean Orzo with Beans

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Creamy Baked Mediterranean Orzo with Beans

Description

Creamy Baked Mediterranean Orzo with Beans is a colourful, comforting, and satisfying one-pan meal made with tender orzo pasta, creamy white beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, feta cheese, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. As the dish bakes, the orzo absorbs the seasoned broth and becomes soft and creamy without requiring a separate pot of boiling water. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein, fibre, and a buttery texture, while cherry tomatoes provide bright sweetness and a lightly roasted flavour. Kalamata olives bring a salty, savoury contrast, and crumbled feta creates pockets of tangy creaminess throughout the casserole. Fresh lemon juice and herbs brighten the finished dish and prevent it from feeling too heavy. This easy baked orzo is perfect for family dinners, weekly meal preparation, potlucks, or busy evenings when you want a wholesome meal with minimal cleanup. It can be served as a vegetarian main course or paired with grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Serve it warm with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or extra lemon wedges.

Ingredients For the Baked Orzo

  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 can cannellini beans or butter beans, approximately 400g, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or double cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For the Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional

For Finishing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Optional Garnish

  • Extra feta cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly grease a large, deep baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients

Add the uncooked orzo, beans, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olives, and baby spinach to the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Add the Liquids

Pour the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and olive oil over the orzo mixture. Stir thoroughly so the pasta is evenly distributed and mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 6: Add the First Cheese Layer

Stir half of the crumbled feta and half of the Parmesan into the orzo mixture. Spread everything into an even layer.

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.

Step 8: Stir the Orzo

Carefully remove the foil and stir the mixture from the edges towards the centre. This helps the orzo cook evenly and prevents it from sticking.

Step 9: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining feta, Parmesan, and optional mozzarella over the top.

Step 10: Finish Baking

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the cheese is lightly golden.

Step 11: Rest the Dish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 8 to 10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as the orzo absorbs the remaining liquid.

Step 12: Add the Fresh Flavours

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra feta, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Tips

  • Use a deep baking dish so the orzo has enough space to cook evenly.
  • Stir the dish halfway through baking to prevent clumping.
  • Keep the orzo mostly covered with liquid during the first stage of baking.
  • If the orzo is still firm, add ¼ cup of hot broth and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Rinse the beans well to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.
  • Do not overbake the dish because the orzo will continue absorbing liquid while it rests.
  • Add chopped artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or courgette for extra vegetables.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • The orzo will thicken after refrigeration, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole covered in the oven.
  • The dish can be assembled several hours ahead and refrigerated, but add approximately 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
  • Chickpeas or haricot beans may replace cannellini beans.
  • This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months, although the orzo may become slightly softer after thawing.

Q&A

Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or small shells may work, but the amount of broth and baking time will need to be adjusted.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream?

Yes. Replace the cream with extra vegetable broth, whole milk, or unsweetened dairy-free milk. The dish will be lighter but slightly less rich.

Why Is My Orzo Still Hard?

The dish may need more liquid or additional baking time. Stir in a small amount of hot broth, cover, and bake until tender.

Can I Add Chicken to This Recipe?

Yes. Add diced cooked chicken during the final 10 minutes, or serve sliced grilled chicken over the finished orzo.

Can I Make It Spicy?

Yes. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chilli, chilli oil, or harissa.

What Should I Serve with Mediterranean Orzo?

Serve it with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, baked salmon, shrimp, garlic bread, or cucumber yoghurt sauce.

Servings

Serves: 6

Nutrition

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 485
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Fibre: 9g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 860mg

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