When the holiday season rolls around, life gets busy, and meals often need to be as fuss-free as possible. Enter the One-Pan Spinach and Ricotta Orzo Pasta: a dish that combines all the flavors you love about comforting Italian favorites like lasagna and spaghetti but with half the effort and just one pan! This dish is a fantastic addition to any holiday table or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Let me walk you through how easy it is to make and why you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for all your gatherings
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Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 801mg | Potassium: 640mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2916IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 3mg
Why This Dish Is Perfect for the Holidays
- One-Pan Wonder: No one wants to juggle multiple pots and pans during the holidays. This recipe keeps things simple: everything bakes in one dish, saving you both prep time and cleanup.
- Elegant and Comforting: Despite its simplicity, this dish feels upscale, thanks to the creamy ricotta dollops and vibrant spinach. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests.
- Lasagna Flavors Without the Hassle: Love lasagna but don’t want to spend hours layering noodles? This dish delivers the same rich marinara and cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Sharing: The holiday season is about gathering, and this orzo pasta is made to be shared. It’s easy to double for larger groups, and it reheats like a dream.
- Nutritious and Versatile: With spinach providing a boost of greens and ricotta adding creamy protein, this is a balanced dish that works for vegetarians and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
Simple Balanced Ingredients:
- Orzo Pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta is the perfect base for the dish because it absorbs the marinara sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying, tender texture that holds up well in the oven. It’s hearty without being too heavy.
- Marinara Sauce: The rich, tangy marinara adds a comforting, familiar flavor that ties the whole dish together. It infuses the orzo with a deep, savory taste, while the tomato base keeps the dish light and fresh.
- Baby Spinach: Spinach wilts perfectly into the pasta, offering a burst of green that not only adds color but also a mild, slightly earthy flavor. It complements the richness of the ricotta and marinara, balancing out the dish and boosting its nutritional value.
- Garlic Powder & Salt: These simple seasonings enhance the flavors without overpowering them. The garlic powder adds a subtle warmth, while the salt brings out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and spinach.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild ricotta cheese is the star in this dish, offering smooth richness and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. As it bakes, it melts into the pasta, adding a comforting layer of creaminess that balances the acidity of the marinara.
Quick and Easy Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, which helps the pasta cook evenly and achieve that bubbly, baked perfection.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray, butter, or oil. This step prevents the pasta from sticking to the dish, making cleanup easier later.
- Mix in the Ingredients: Pour in the dry orzo pasta evenly into the baking dish. Add the water, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir Everything Together: Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure all the orzo pasta is coated evenly with the sauce. This helps it cook properly and prevents dry spots.
- Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the dish and gently stir it into the mixture. Keep stirring until the spinach is evenly distributed and submerged under the sauce. It’s okay if it looks like a lot—it will shrink as it cooks!
- Add Ricotta Dollops: Take a spoon and scoop small amounts (about 1-2 tablespoons each) of ricotta cheese from the container. Drop the ricotta onto the pasta mixture in evenly spaced dollops. There’s no need to spread it out—the ricotta will melt into creamy pockets during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, helping the pasta cook evenly and soak up the sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes. At 25 minutes, check to see if the pasta is tender by carefully removing the foil and using a fork to test a piece. If it’s still firm, re-cover and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Finish with Flair: If you’d like, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the baked dish. Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips & Pairings for One-Pan Spinach and Ricotta Orzo Pasta
- Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for doubling if you want to meal prep for the week or feed a crowd. Use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time by an additional 5-10 minutes if needed.
- Portion Into Containers: Once the pasta has cooled slightly, divide it into individual meal prep containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. These ready-to-go portions make for easy lunches or dinners.
- Add Protein for Variety: Mix in cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or chickpeas before baking for a protein boost. This makes the dish even more filling and versatile for different dietary preferences.
- Add a Side Salad: Enjoy with Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan pair perfectly with the pasta’s rich flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or pearl couscous. However, the cooking time may vary, so check for tenderness before removing from the oven.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as a substitute. Add your own seasonings like Italian herbs, onion powder, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Mozzarella, Parmesan, or even goat cheese can be sprinkled on top before baking or broiled for a gooey, golden finish.
One Pan Spinach and Ricotta Orzo Pasta Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition