Baked Orzo with Tomatoes and Arugula is creamy, tangy, and filled with fresh and savory ingredients. Baked orzo is sure to be a family favorite side dish recipe on weeknights, for Sunday suppers and when entertaining too.

This baked orzo side dish is flavorful, comforting and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
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Orzo Side Dish
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that makes a delicious side dish for many meals.
Baked pasta casserole brings big flavors to your table and will quickly become a go-to side dish recipe.
Started on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this baked orzo recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Two types of tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, add a tangy flavor and Boursin cheese adds a creamy texture.
Baby arugula is stirred in at the end of the cooking time and lends a hint of peppery flavor and fresh greens.
You can easily turn this side dish recipe into a main dish by stirring in cooked, shredded chicken or cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
All these ingredients and flavors make this creamy orzo casserole irresistible and mouthwatering.
Here's a similar recipe that you should check out too. I made it into a main dish chicken and orzo recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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How to make easy baked orzo
This is a quick overview of how to make this orzo bake recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F. Coat a 1.5 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the orzo, tomatoes, and sundried tomatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 2: In a saucepot, combine the broth, Italian seasoning, kosher salt and pepper and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Pour the hot broth mixture over the orzo and stir until combined. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 4: Uncover, stir in the baby arugula and Boursin cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the arugula is wilted and the orzo is cooked through.
Hint: Be sure to bring the broth mixture to a boil before pouring into the orzo. This helps the orzo begin to start cooking.
Expert recipe tips
- Sun-dried Tomato Oil - The oil from the sundried tomatoes infuses the orzo with a deep, savory flavor. Add a drizzle before serving!
- Double the Recipe – You can easily double this recipe to feed a crowd. Just be sure to use a large baking dish or make it in two small baking dishes.
- A Burst of Flavor – Top each serving with a spoonful of basil pesto for more flavor
- Garlic Lovers - For the garlic lovers in your family, add a finely minced clove of garlic to the broth before bringing it to a boil
- Grated Parmesan Cheese - Add a salty, nutty finish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese right before serving
Substitutions
- Orzo Substitutes - Check out these easy substitutes for orzo
- Make It Vegetarian - Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Go Vegan - Use a plant-based vegan cheese alternative for the Boursin and Parmesan, and ensure the broth is vegetable-based.
- Change Up the Greens - Replace arugula with baby spinach or baby kale
- Try Other Cheeses - If you can’t find Boursin, use goat cheese, cream cheese, or even ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes - Grape tomatoes are a good substitution for cherry tomatoes
Variations
- Make It A Hearty Meal - Turn this side dish recipe into a hearty meal by stirring in cooked shredded chicken or cooked crumbled Italian sausage
- Make It Spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and heat
- Make It Greek – Add kalamata olives and sprinkle with a topping of feta cheese
Equipment
- 1.5 quart baking dish
- saucepot
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- chef knife
- cutting board
Storage
- Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating - Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat adding a splash of broth if desired
- USDA Website - As always, I recommend checking out more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Ingredients
Baked orzo casserole ingredients
- Dry Orzo Pasta - A rice-shaped pasta that cooks nicely in a casserole dish
- Dried Italian Seasoning - A mix of herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme
- Kosher Salt – Salt makes the flavors pop
- Black Pepper – Adds a savory note to the dish
Chicken Broth - Adds a savory depth of flavor - Sundried Tomatoes in Oil - Packed with concentrated tomato flavor, these tomatoes add a sweet and tangy bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, cherry tomatoes balance the intense flavor of the sundried tomatoes.
- Boursin Cheese - An herb-infused cheese that melts into the orzo creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Baby Arugula - A tender baby green that adds a peppery note and fresh flavor
Recipes With Orzo
Love orzo? Be sure to give these easy orzo recipes a try too!
What to serve with
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this orzo side dish:
Baked Orzo with Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes in oil , patted to absorb excess oil and chopped
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup Boursin cheese
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Coat a 1.5 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine the orzo, tomatoes, and sundried tomatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepot, bring the broth, Italian seasoning, kosher salt and pepper to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Pour the hot broth mixture over the orzo. Stir to combine, cover and bake 25 minutes.
- Uncover, stir in the baby arugula and Boursin cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the arugula is wilted and the orzo is cooked through.
- Stir before serving.
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