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Healthy Feta Orzo

Healthy Baked Feta Orzo
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Nutrient-rich baked feta orzo. Delicious, healthy dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (about 8 ounces) feta cheese
  • 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes
  • 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup (about 170 grams) orzo pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • For Garnish:
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, zested
  • 2 ounces good quality feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking dish (9×13 inch ceramic dish recommended).
  • In the baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes and chopped bell peppers. Add the minced garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
  • Create a space in the center of the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese. Drizzle the feta with a little more olive oil.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst open and are caramelized, and the feta is softened and slightly browned at the edges.
  • While the feta and vegetables are baking, cook the orzo according to package directions in a separate pot until al dente. Drain the orzo, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the roasted feta and burst tomatoes directly in the baking dish to create a creamy sauce.
  • Add the cooked and drained orzo into the baking dish with the roasted feta and vegetables. Pour in 1/2 to 1 cup of vegetable broth, stirring everything together thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
  • Stir in the chopped fresh basil and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  • To make the fresh herb garnish: finely chop fresh basil leaves and fresh parsley. Zest half a lemon over the chopped herbs. Crumble a small amount of good quality feta cheese over the herbs. Gently mix.
  • Serve the orzo masterpiece immediately, spooning generous portions into individual bowls. Sprinkle generously with the fresh herb garnish. For an extra touch, drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a final crack of black pepper.

Notes

Prepare your taste buds for an absolute triumph: our Healthy Baked Feta Orzo! This dish is a glorious celebration of Mediterranean flavors, combining the creamy, salty allure of baked feta with tender orzo pasta and an abundance of vibrant cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big on taste with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

Find it online: https://homecookstudio.com/healthy-feta-orzo-baked-dish/