Spinach Artichoke Orzo Bake

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 37 min | Course: Dinner | Serves: 6

Spinach, artichoke, pesto, orzo, and mozzarella cheese bake in this one dish cozy casserole. Inspired by Tieghan of Half Baked Harvest https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spinach-and-artichoke-orzo-bake/ 

1 onion, diced 

7 cloves garlic, minced 

1 12 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, quartered

1 teaspoon oregano 

1 lb dry orzo pasta

Salt and pepper, to taste 

½ cup basil pesto

3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped 

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish 

Preheat the oven to 400*. Layer onion, garlic, artichoke hearts, oregano, orzo, salt, and pepper in a 9.13 casserole dish. Dollop pesto on top and stir in with the spinach. Pour in 2 ¼ cups water over the dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Most of the water should be absorbed. Stir the pasta around and top with Parmesan and mozzarella. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. The cheese will be melted in the sauce, nice and bubbly. Top with freshly chopped basil leaves for a garnish.