Orzo Mozzarella and Kalamata Olive Bake

Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors of this irresistible Orzo Mozzarella and Kalamata Olive Bake, a comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or hearty gatherings. This baked pasta recipe combines al dente orzo with a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce featuring briny Kalamata olives and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Cubes of creamy fresh mozzarella melt into the dish, while a golden Parmesan topping adds depth and texture. Finished with optional fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, this one-pan wonder is as flavorful as it is easy to make. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, this savory, cheesy creation is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's vegetarian-friendly and brimming with Mediterranean goodness!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.75 cups Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 3 cups water or vegetable stock

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the Kalamata olives to the skillet and stir well to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the tomato and olive sauce. Fold in half of the cubed mozzarella cubes and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 7

Transfer the orzo mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella cubes on top, gently pushing them into the mixture.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2454.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2900.6

Total Fat 137.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 202.0mg	0%
Sodium 10599.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 317.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.3g	0%
Total Sugars 53.4g
Protein 118.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2066.2mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2833.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.5%

Protein: 15.9%

Carbs: 42.6%