Baked Feta Orzo Spinach
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with roasted veggies, this baked feta orzo is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1¼ cups orzo pasta
7 oz feta cheese block
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
5 oz baby spinach
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare baking dish: Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof dish. Place feta block in the center. Arrange cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and minced garlic around it. Drizzle with remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Roast: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered.
Cook orzo: While baking, cook orzo in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Mix in sauce ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to break up the feta and mix well.
Combine with spinach and pasta: Add baby spinach and cooked orzo. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Season and garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference.
Ensure feta cheese is vegetarian if needed.
Use whole wheat orzo for added fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Try adding olives or artichokes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/baked-feta-orzo-spinach/
