Stuffed Bell Peppers with Orzo Ricotta and Crispy Prosciutto
These stuffed bell peppers are a show-stopping combination of vibrant sweet roasted peppers filled with tender orzo pasta creamy ricotta cheese and aromatic herbs. Topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh basil this dish balances comfort and elegance—perfect for a light dinner lunch or an impressive party plate.
Time Estimate:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Peppers:
3 large bell peppers (red orange or yellow) halved and seeded
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chopped spinach or kale (fresh or frozen thawed and squeezed dry)
1/4 cup basil pesto
Salt and black pepper to taste
3/4 cup ricotta cheese (plus extra for topping)
For the Topping:
6 slices prosciutto
Fresh basil leaves
Cracked black pepper
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Roast the Bell Peppers:
Place halved bell peppers on a baking sheet drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Roast for 15 minutes until just tender
Cook the Orzo:
While peppers roast cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside
Prepare the Filling:
In a pan heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute)
Add chopped greens and cook for 2–3 minutes
Stir in pesto cooked orzo salt and pepper. Let cool slightly then fold in 1/2 cup of ricotta
Stuff the Peppers:
Fill each roasted pepper half with the orzo mixture. Top with a spoonful of ricotta
Crisp the Prosciutto:
Place prosciutto slices on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (or pan-fry) until crisp 5–7 minutes
Assemble and Garnish:
Top each stuffed pepper with a piece of crispy prosciutto fresh basil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper (and Parmesan if using)
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature
Tips:
Pre-cook the peppers slightly before stuffing to ensure they are tender
Let the orzo cool before mixing with ricotta to avoid melting the cheese
Use a piping bag or spoon to neatly fill the pepper halves
Bake filled peppers covered for the first 10 minutes to trap moisture then uncover for a nice finish
Crisp prosciutto separately to avoid sogginess from baking with the filling
Variations:
Vegetarian Version: Skip the prosciutto and add roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes
Grain Swap: Try couscous quinoa or brown rice instead of orzo
Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta with feta goat cheese or cream cheese
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the orzo mix
Add Protein: Mix shredded chicken or ground turkey into the filling for a heartier meal
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Orzo, Ricotta, and Crispy Prosciutto Recipe
Q&A:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! You can substitute ricotta with goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a mix of mozzarella and cream cheese for a creamy filling.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply omit the prosciutto or replace it with crispy sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Q: Can I prep these stuffed peppers in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers after baking. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings total):
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Conclusion:
Stuffed bell peppers with orzo, ricotta, and crispy prosciutto make for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance of creamy cheese, savory orzo, and crispy prosciutto creates an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. It’s a dish that can easily be customized for dietary preferences, and the best part is it’s a simple recipe that doesn’t take too long to prepare. Enjoy this delicious, filling meal!