A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake brings together bold Mediterranean ingredients in a one-dish wonder. Packed with savory sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and creamy Boursin cheese, this vegetarian bake is both hearty and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This orzo bake checks all the boxes:
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One-dish preparation makes cleanup easy
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Ready in under an hour
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Creamy and cheesy without being too heavy
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Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors
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Perfect as a vegetarian main or a side dish
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Customizable to fit what you have on hand
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Great for meal prep
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Family-friendly
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Elegant enough for dinner parties
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Comfort food without the fuss
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 Boursin cheese block
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1 pound uncooked orzo
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4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1/2 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cups vegetable stock
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 cups spinach
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large baking dish, place the Boursin cheese block in the center.
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Add the uncooked orzo, chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped Kalamata olives around the cheese. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable stock, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the seasoned stock mixture into the baking dish.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, stirring gently after 15 minutes.
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Remove the foil, stir in the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
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Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and well combined.
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Serve hot and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
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Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free Boursin alternative and swap out the cream and cheese for plant-based versions.
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Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
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Use different greens: Swap spinach with kale or arugula.
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Try another pasta: If you’re out of orzo, try using small pasta like ditalini or couscous (adjust cook time as needed).
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Switch the cheese: Goat cheese or cream cheese can substitute Boursin in a pinch.
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Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add extra umami flavor.
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Lemon zest: Add zest before serving for a fresh finish.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or another GF pasta option.
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Herb twist: Try fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the creamy texture may separate.
FAQs
What is Boursin cheese and can I substitute it?
Boursin is a soft, herbed cheese with a creamy texture. You can substitute it with herbed cream cheese, goat cheese, or a blend of cream cheese and garlic/herb seasoning.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. Stir in a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended, as the dairy may separate and the texture of the orzo can become mushy after thawing.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. However, gluten-free orzo options are available in specialty stores.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! Cooked chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled sausage would all be delicious additions.
What other vegetables can I use?
Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts would work well in this dish.
Do I need to cook the orzo beforehand?
No, the orzo cooks directly in the seasoned vegetable stock in the oven, making this a true one-dish recipe.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
You can, but it would require constant stirring. The baked version is easier and allows flavors to develop better.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor, but drain them before chopping. Dry-packed ones work too—just soak them in warm water first.
Conclusion
This Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. With bold, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your menu, this comforting bake is sure to satisfy.
Print
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Orzo Bake is a creamy, flavorful one-dish vegetarian meal made with orzo pasta, Boursin cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and savory herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 Boursin cheese block
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large baking dish, place the Boursin cheese block in the center.
- Add the uncooked orzo, chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives around the cheese. Drizzle olive oil on top.
- In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable stock with red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the seasoned stock mixture over the contents of the baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring gently after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the foil and stir in the spinach, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any flavor of Boursin cheese for variety.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg