Imagine your favorite spinach and artichoke dip decided to team up with cozy, cheesy pasta and they both showed up to dinner in one creamy, dreamy pan. That’s exactly what you get with this One Pan Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for guests but is secretly so easy, it practically cooks itself.

The best part? It’s all done in a single pan. That’s right less mess, more flavor, and alllll the comfort. Creamy, gooey, and full of herby goodness, this is one of those meals you’ll crave again and again. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works as a meatless main or a luxe side dish. Add protein if you like, or let the veggies shine.

Budget-Friendly: Pantry staples and frozen veggies make this dish as wallet-friendly as it is satisfying.

Quick and Easy: One pan, no fuss, minimal cleanup. Just stir, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Mix in mushrooms, shredded chicken, or even sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling creative.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in One Pan Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake

Here’s everything that goes into making this cozy comfort dish that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl:

Orzo Pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness.

Garlic and Onion: The flavor foundation. They bring that deep, savory aroma we all know and love.

Frozen Spinach: Convenient and nutritious, it wilts beautifully into the mix.

Canned Artichoke Hearts: Tangy, tender, and totally irresistible.

Cream Cheese: The secret to that luscious, velvety texture.

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds rich, creamy decadence to every bite.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty, stretchy finish we all dream of.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and that irresistible cheesy crust on top.

Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing everything together.

Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning: Just the right mix of herbs and seasoning to tie it all together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Sauté Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant and golden.

Add the Base: Stir in the orzo, frozen spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and Italian seasoning. Let it all warm through for a couple of minutes.

Pour in Liquids: Add the broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Make it Creamy: Add the heavy cream and half the mozzarella and parmesan. Stir until everything is combined into a creamy mixture.

Bake It Off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and transfer the pan to a preheated oven. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Cool Slightly: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out warm, cheesy helpings and bask in the glory of a one-pan masterpiece.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: approximately 410
(Note: will vary based on cream and cheese quantities)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Pair with garlic bread or focaccia for scooping up that creamy sauce
• Add grilled chicken, salmon, or roasted tofu on top for a protein-packed meal
• Make it a showstopper side dish at a holiday or potluck
• Serve with a glass of white wine for an elevated weeknight dinner

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest results
• Don’t skip the baking step it helps meld everything together perfectly
• Fresh spinach can be used just sauté it down before adding
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if you’re feeling bold
• A sprinkle of lemon zest or juice before serving adds brightness
• This reheats beautifully perfect for leftovers
• For a gluten-free version, try using cooked rice instead of orzo
• Use a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan to go from stove to oven easily
• Try gruyère or fontina cheese for a twist on flavor
• Top with crispy breadcrumbs for a little texture contrast

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Just sauté it down first so it doesn’t release too much moisture during baking.

2. What can I use instead of orzo?
You can try small pasta shapes like ditalini or even cooked rice.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sausage, or tofu all work great.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

6. Can I freeze this orzo bake?
Yes freeze in individual portions for easy reheating later.

7. What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella and parmesan give that gooey-meets-crispy combo, but you can experiment.

8. Do I need to cook the orzo before baking?
Nope! It cooks right in the pan with the liquids.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives it’s still super creamy.

10. What kind of pan should I use?
An oven-safe skillet or casserole dish works best for a seamless one-pan experience.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, creamy, loaded with flavor, and delightfully easy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something cozy and indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Best part? It’s all done in one dish so cleanup is a breeze. Go ahead and bookmark this one you’re going to come back to it again and again!

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