Hey there! If you’re in the mood for something cozy, delicious, and full of flavor, then this Baked Ratatouille Orzo is just what you need. It’s like the perfect veggie-packed hug in a dish! With tender roasted veggies, hearty orzo, and a little kick from tahini and miso, this recipe is a great way to get your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s so simple to makewho doesn’t love a one-dish wonder that looks and tastes impressive?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Veggie-packed goodness: A rainbow of fresh veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplantwhat’s not to love?
→ Super easy to make: Just toss everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and relax. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
→ One dish wonder: Clean-up is a breeze with just one pan to wash. More time to enjoy the meal!
→ Comfort food with a twist: Orzo pasta meets roasted veggies in a cozy, satisfying dish that’s anything but boring.
→ Packed with flavor: Miso, tahini, and a squeeze of lemon give this dish a savory, creamy, and zesty punch.
→ Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Trust me, you’ll be coming back for this one over and over!
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What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about some of the star ingredients that really make this Baked Ratatouille Orzo shine:
Zucchini & Eggplant: These two veggies are the heart of the ratatouille! They roast up beautifully, getting all tender and caramelized, and bring that perfect savory flavor to the dish.
Tahini: This creamy paste adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the orzo extra dreamy. Plus, it’s a little secret weapon for adding that comforting, smooth texture.
Miso Paste: A spoonful of miso brings umami magic to the mix, giving the whole dish a savory depth you won’t be able to stop eating.
Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end brightens everything up with a burst of freshness. It’s like the cherry on top of this veggie-packed masterpiece.
Lemon: Squeezing a little lemon juice over the top at the end adds the perfect zesty kick to balance out the rich flavors.
These ingredients not only make this dish taste amazing but also pack it full of healthy goodness. What’s not to love?
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 55 mins
1| Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). We’re getting things nice and hot!
2| Toss all those chopped ratatouille veggies and garlic into a 12″x8″ (30cm x 22cm) baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp. of olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and give everything a good toss to coat.
3| Pop it into the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the veggies are nice and tender. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
4| Grab the canned tomatoes, dump them in, and don’t forget to fill that empty can with a bit of water and pour it right in. We’re all about using everything here.
5| Stir in the spinach, orzo pasta, miso paste, tahini, and 1 tsp. salt. Make sure that miso and tahini are evenly spread throughout – we want all the flavors to get cozy together.
6| Pop it back in the oven for another 20 minutes until the orzo is perfectly cooked and all the flavors are mingling.
7| Serve it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a handful of chopped basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Enjoy!
And there you have iteasy, tasty, and totally satisfying!
Glycemic Index: 44 (low) Glycemic Load: 26 (high)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some fun recipe swaps and tweaks to customize your Baked Ratatouille Orzo:
Recipe Swaps:
- Pasta Swap: Not a fan of orzo? Try using any other pasta you like, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a little!
- Veggie Variations: Switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand! You could use bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, or even some fresh tomatoes. The more the merrier!
- Leafy Greens: If you’re not into spinach, try kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard. These leafy greens add a nice texture and flavor twist.
- Cheese: Add some grated parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving for a cheesy kick!
- Miso Alternatives: If you don’t have miso paste, try a splash of soy sauce or tamari for that savory umami flavor.
Try my Creamy Lemon and Green Pea Pasta recipe.
Recipe Tweaks:
- Add a Protein: Make it a heartier meal by tossing in some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. They’ll soak up the flavor and make it even more satisfying!
- Spicy Kick: Craving some heat? Throw in some chopped chili peppers or sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for a spicy finish.
- Herb Swap: Basil is classic, but you could also try parsley, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Swap the tahini for a vegan cream or cashew cream and skip the cheese for a fully plant-based option.
With these swaps and tweaks, you can make this dish your own every time! Enjoy experimenting!
Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make your Baked Ratatouille Orzo even better:
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1| Don’t Overcrowd the Veggies: When roasting the veggies, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly and get that perfect caramelized texture.
2| Use a Large Baking Dish: A 12″x8″ dish works best to give the veggies and orzo plenty of room to cook without getting too packed. You want everything to cook evenly.
3| Stir the Orzo: When you add the orzo and other ingredients, give everything a good stir to make sure the miso and tahini are well spread out. This helps the flavors mix together better.
4| Check the Orzo: Orzo can cook pretty quickly, so check it after about 15 minutes of baking to make sure it’s not getting too soft. If you need, add a splash of water to keep things moist!
5| Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeezing fresh lemon juice at the end makes a big difference! It brightens up the whole dish and balances the savory flavors.
6| Make It Ahead: This dish holds up well for leftovers! You can prep it the night before and bake it when you’re ready, or store any extra for lunch the next day. ️
These little tips will help ensure your Baked Ratatouille Orzo turns out perfectly every time! Enjoy the process and, of course, the tasty results!
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Serving Ideas
Here are some great serving ideas to take your Baked Ratatouille Orzo to the next level:
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1| Serve with a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad, like a fresh spinach and arugula mix, topped with a light vinaigrette. It adds a nice, refreshing contrast to the rich, baked orzo.
2| Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices from the dish. Try sourdough or a baguette for that extra crunch!
3| Top with Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top right before serving. The salty, creamy addition takes it to a whole new level!
4| Add Grilled Protein: For a heartier meal, serve it with grilled chicken, tofu, or even roasted salmon on the side. The protein pairs perfectly with the veggie-packed orzo.
5| Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra fresh basil, parsley, or thyme to add a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
6| Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a little extra squeeze of citrus if anyone wants that zesty punch!
7| Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish makes a great meal prep optionjust portion it out into containers and enjoy it throughout the week! It also reheats well.
These serving ideas will help you enjoy your Baked Ratatouille Orzo in a variety of wayswhether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself!
Storage Options
Here are some handy storage options to keep your Baked Ratatouille Orzo fresh and tasty:
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1| In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up to avoid excess moisture.
2| For Meal Prep: If you’re prepping for the week, divide the orzo into individual portions and store them in separate containers. That way, you can just grab and go when you’re ready to eat!
3| Freezing: You can freeze Baked Ratatouille Orzo for up to 1-2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, but leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. ❄️
4| Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out, then cover with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave it until hot.
5| Separate the Toppings: If you’re adding fresh basil or lemon wedges, store those separately in the fridge to keep them fresh and vibrant until serving.
These simple storage options will help keep your Baked Ratatouille Orzo tasting fresh and ready to enjoy again!
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it! A bowl full of comfort, color, and flavorall wrapped up in one awesome dish. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this Baked Ratatouille Orzo is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of basil for that fresh, zesty finish. Happy cooking, my friends! Enjoy every bite!
Recipe Card
Baked Ratatouille Orzo
Looking for a one-pan wonder? This Baked Ratatouille Orzo has roasted veggies, creamy tahini, and zesty lemon for the ultimate comfort dish ✨.
Ingredients
For the ratatouille:
For the orzo:
To serve:
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). -
Step 2:
Place the chopped ratatouille vegetables and minced garlic into a 12″x8″ (30cm x 22cm) baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp. of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating. -
Step 3:
Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. -
Step 4:
Add the canned chopped tomatoes to the dish, filling the empty can with water and pouring it into the dish as well. -
Step 5:
Stir in the spinach, orzo pasta, miso paste, tahini, and 1 tsp. salt, ensuring that the miso and tahini are well incorporated throughout. -
Step 6:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the orzo is fully cooked. -
Step 7:
Serve with freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 426kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Total Carbohydrate 78g26%
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
