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- 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish When preparing this dish, precise measurements matter. Use a standard measuring cup for the orzo and broth. For the olive oil and lemon juice, a tablespoon measure works best. The zucchini and bell pepper should be diced into small pieces for even cooking. Garlic cloves should be minced finely to release their flavor fully. If you can't find orzo, try another small pasta like ditalini or couscous. You can swap Boursin cheese with cream cheese mixed with herbs. If you want a lighter dish, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of the full cup. For a twist, add in different veggies, like mushrooms or asparagus. If you need a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need orzo pasta, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, garlic, baby spinach, Boursin cheese, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook it until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside for later. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften a bit. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step will bring out the garlic's great flavor. Then, add the baby spinach to the skillet, cooking it just until it wilts. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed vegetables, Boursin cheese, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well-coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a nice touch. To boost the flavor of your Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake, think about adding herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can add a lovely touch. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Using fresh lemon juice is key. It brings brightness and lifts all the flavors. Don’t skip the lemon zest; it gives a nice zing. When you cook orzo, remember to salt the water. This small step makes a big difference in taste. Cook the orzo until it is al dente, which means "to the bite." This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold up in the bake. Rinse the orzo under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from getting mushy. Serve the Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake straight from the baking dish for a homey feel. If you want a fancier look, plate individual portions. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. A side salad works great with this dish. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the orzo beautifully. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible for the best flavor and nutrition. Fresh produce will enhance the overall taste of your orzo bake. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the zucchini and bell pepper for your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or even artichokes would work beautifully in this dish. Don't Overcook the Orzo: Cook the orzo just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the final dish. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the orzo bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies in this bake. Try broccoli or asparagus for a twist. Carrots add a nice crunch, too. Swap out bell peppers for mushrooms if you like. Each veggie brings a different flavor to the dish. Keep it colorful for a fun plate. If you don’t have Boursin cheese, use cream cheese. Blend in some herbs for taste. Goat cheese works well, too, and adds a tangy flavor. For a lighter option, use ricotta cheese. Each cheese will give the bake a new twist. Want to add protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp fits perfectly. You can also use chickpeas for a veggie option. Tofu is a great choice if you're vegan. Just mix it in with the other ingredients. This makes your meal filling and delicious. After enjoying your Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before you seal it. This helps keep the dish fresh. Your leftovers will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the orzo bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. You can freeze Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating instructions above. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Choose small shapes like shells or elbows. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you select. Make sure to cook it al dente. This will keep a nice texture in the bake. You can use cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. Another option is goat cheese, which adds a tangy flavor. You may also try ricotta with seasonings. Each will give a different taste, so feel free to experiment! Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just portion it out in containers for easy lunches. It tastes great reheated and keeps well for a few days. This blog post covered the key steps to make a delicious Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake. We discussed the ingredients needed, from measurements to possible substitutes. I outlined the preparation and cooking methods, ensuring you know how to bake it perfectly. We also shared tips for flavor and serving. Plus, I gave you ideas for variations and storage. With all these insights, you can confidently make this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Boursin Orzo Bake

A creamy and flavorful orzo bake with vegetables and Boursin cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the baby spinach to the skillet, cooking just until wilted.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed vegetables, Boursin cheese, vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is well-coated.
  • Transfer the orzo mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look, or plate individual portions with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Keyword bake, cheese, lemon, orzo, vegetarian