This baked feta orzo dish is creamy and cheesy, with strands of pasta that soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Just toss everything together, bake, and voilà! I love how the feta gets melty and super tasty. I often add some veggies for a colorful twist—more is always better! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free orzo or even quinoa for a similar texture.
Feta Cheese: Traditionally, a block of feta is used. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try reduced-fat feta or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. Remember, goat cheese will melt differently!
Cherry Tomatoes: For a sweeter flavor, use heirloom or grape tomatoes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes can work too. Just drain them before adding to the dish.
Red Onion: You can swap in yellow or white onions if that’s what you have. If you prefer milder flavors, green onions or shallots are great alternatives.
Broth: Using chicken broth adds depth while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian. Low-sodium options are perfect if you want to control salt intake.
How Do I Ensure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo directly in the baking dish makes it easy but can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven properly; 400°F is ideal for roasting the tomatoes.
- Ensure there’s enough liquid! The broth should fully cover the orzo, so it cooks evenly.
- Check for doneness around the 30-minute mark. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of extra broth or water.
Finally, after baking, gently stir to give everyone a nice, creamy texture while keeping the feta chunky!
How to Make Baked Feta Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 200g (about 7 oz) block of feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (on the vine if possible)
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for cooking the orzo in the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes of baking time. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to get that perfect roasted flavor for the tomatoes and feta!
2. Prepare the Orzo:
In a baking dish, spread the orzo evenly across the bottom. This will be the base that absorbs all those tasty flavors.
3. Add the Feta:
Now, take the block of feta cheese and place it in the center of the dish, or slightly off-center. It will become warm and creamy as it cooks.
4. Include the Veggies:
Next, sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and the thinly sliced red onions around the feta and on top of the orzo. This will create a colorful and flavorful mix.
5. Sprinkle the Garlic:
Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the entire dish. This will add a lovely aroma and taste!
6. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil over everything to keep it moist and delicious. Then add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to season it well.
7. Add the Broth:
Carefully pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the orzo, making sure not to splash it directly on the feta to keep the block intact. This broth will cook the orzo beautifully!
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the orzo to be tender, the feta to soften, and the tomatoes to be roasted and slightly blistered.
9. Stir and Combine:
Once done, take it out of the oven and give everything a gentle stir. This will help to combine the melted feta, roasted tomatoes, and cooked orzo for a wonderful mix!
10. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness and flavor.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm Baked Feta Orzo either as a comforting main dish or a delightful side dish. It’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-comforting!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Yes! While orzo is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or therefini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creaminess.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
