Description
Healthy Baked Feta Orzo is a creamy, veggie-packed one-pan dinner featuring roasted feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 40 minutes, this quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 block feta cheese
- 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
Vegetables & Herbs
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 7 oz asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3.5 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 0.5 oz fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
Pantry & Staples
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and roast feta: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the block of feta cheese in a large oven-safe pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and roast for 8 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add vegetables and continue roasting: Remove the pan from the oven. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus pieces evenly around the feta. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with black pepper. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft and golden.
- Cook the orzo: While the feta and vegetables roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine feta and orzo: Once the vegetables and feta are done roasting, remove the pan from the oven and mash the feta cheese with a fork until creamy. Stir in the cooked orzo along with the reserved pasta water to create a sauce. Add the chopped baby spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Finish and season: Mix in the mascarpone cheese, chopped fresh basil, and fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish hot for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Check the orzo 2 to 3 minutes earlier than package instructions to avoid overcooking.
- Salt the pasta water generously to enhance flavor.
- Let the feta sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before baking to ensure even melting.
- Add mascarpone cheese while the orzo is still hot for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked feta orzo, vegetarian dinner, Mediterranean pasta, roasted feta, creamy orzo, quick dinner, healthy vegetarian meal
