Four Cheese Orzo Primavera Bake

Four Cheese Orzo Primavera Bake


​
Prep Time: 15 Min

Cook Time: 55 - 60 Min

1. Bring a large pot of cold, heavily salted water to a boil. Once boiled, stir in the orzo and cook to al dente according to package directions. Strain and set aside until needed. Using the same water, drop in the frozen mixed veg and boil for 2 minutes or so. Strain into the same bowl as the cooked orzo.

 

1. While the orzo cooks, begin your creamy cheese sauce. Start by heating the ¼ C unsalted butter on just below medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour, reduce heat to medium low, and stir often for a few minutes until the rapid bubbling stops.

 

1. Slowly whisk in the milk. Return the heat to medium and bring to a slow boil. Once boiled, add in the onion and garlic powders, sea salt, vegeta, and white pepper. Reduce heat again to medium low stirring often as the sauce bubbles and thickens. Simmer for about 5 minutes until nice and thick.

 

                      Grocery List
o   600g Dry Orzo Pasta
o   ¼ C + 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
o   3 Tbsp. AP Flour
o   4 C 2% Milk
o   1/3 C Cream Cheese
o   1 C Old Cheddar, shredded
o   1 C Monterey Jack, shredded
o   ½ C Mozzarella, shredded
o   1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
o   1 Tsp. Onion Powder
o   ½ Tsp. Sea Salt
o   ¼ Tsp. Vegeta Seasoning
o   ½ Tsp. Ground White Pepper
o   3 ½ C Frozen Mixed Vegetables
o   1/3 C Seasoned Italian Breadcrumbs
o   1 clove Garlic, gently crushed
o   2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
o   ½ Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

​

1. Remove the sauce from the heat and fold in the cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey jack. Taste and adjust salt if desired.

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 F

 

1. Fold the cooked orzo and veggies into the creamy sauce until combined. Spray the inside of a rectangular 4 qt. baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the creamy orzo into the dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

 

1. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter along with the crushed clove of garlic in the microwave. Meanwhile, combine the breadcrumbs, pepper flakes, and fresh thyme leaves stripped from the sprigs. Season with sea salt & pepper. Strain the garlic clove from the melted butter and pour it into the crumb mixture. Stir together with a fork. Once combined, sprinkle the crumbly crumb mixture over the orzo.

 

1. Cover and bake for 35 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake 10 – 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

 

1. Remove from oven and cool for 5 – 10 minutes prior to slicing up and serving. ENJOY!