Baked Feta Orzo Recipe

Baked Feta Orzo is a delicious and creamy pasta dish made with feta cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, and orzo. The feta cheese is baked until golden and melty, creating a rich sauce that mixes with the orzo to create a mouthwatering and hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a side dish for a larger gathering. The combination of tangy feta and sweet roasted tomatoes makes for a fantastic flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Feta and Tomatoes for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

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2. Arrange the feta block in the center of a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta block. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, fresh oregano, and thyme.

3. Prepare the tomatoes: In a separate bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced onions with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Scatter them around the feta block in the baking dish.

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4. Bake the feta and tomatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden around the edges, and the tomatoes have burst and released their juices.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the orzo. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.

2. Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the cooked orzo aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Orzo Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Add the broth and cream: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it slightly thickens.

3. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

4. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, giving the sauce a bright, fresh flavor. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine the cooked orzo with the creamy sauce in the large saucepan, stirring to coat the orzo evenly.

2. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Use a spoon to gently break up the feta into a creamy mixture, mixing it with the roasted tomatoes and their juices.

3. Add the orzo to the feta and tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the orzo is coated with the creamy feta-tomato sauce.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can also add some reserved pasta water if you want the sauce to be a bit thinner.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the baked feta orzo hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

2. Optionally, drizzle a little more olive oil on top before serving for added richness.

Tips for the Best Baked Feta Orzo

1. Choose good feta: For the best texture and flavor, opt for a high-quality feta cheese. Feta that comes in brine (instead of pre-crumbled) tends to have a better, more authentic taste.

2. Use fresh tomatoes: While canned tomatoes can be used, fresh cherry or grape tomatoes give the best flavor, especially when they roast and burst in the oven.

3. Add protein: If you want to make this dish more filling, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.

4. Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, dill, or parsley, depending on your taste. Fresh herbs will add a delightful aromatic quality to the dish.

5. Make it ahead: The baked feta can be prepared ahead of time, and the orzo can be cooked in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Possible Variations

1. Vegan Baked Feta Orzo: Use a plant-based feta or tofu in place of traditional feta cheese. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.

2. Spicy Baked Feta Orzo: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick. You could also top the dish with a drizzle of chili oil.

3. Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts to bring in more Mediterranean flavors. You could also add a handful of spinach for some extra greens.

4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo pasta or a different gluten-free pasta such as rice or quinoa.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair this with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with the creamy, tangy flavors of the feta and orzo.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Orzo is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of feta with the rich texture of orzo, all baked together with roasted tomatoes and aromatic herbs. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired feast, this dish will surely be a hit.