Name: Baked Feta Orzo: You’ll Love This Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1x 200g/7oz block of Feta; 3 tbsp Olive Oil; 300g / 10oz Baby Plum or Cherry Tomatoes; halved; 200g / 7oz Asparagus; woody ends removed then sliced into 3 or 4 chunks; 2 cups / 400g uncooked Orzo; 100g / 3.5oz Baby Spinach; roughly diced; 1/2 small bunch of Fresh Basil; finely diced; 2 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives; 2 heaped tbsp / 2oz / 60g Mascarpone; Salt & Black Pepper; to taste

There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of creamy cheese and tender pasta, and Baked Feta Orzo takes this classic pairing to a whole new level. This mouthwatering dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also captivates the eye with its vibrant colors and textures. Imagine a comforting bowl of orzo swimming in a luscious baked feta sauce, perfectly blended with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs.

Furthermore, what makes baked feta pasta so appealing is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this culinary gem easily adapts to suit your preferences. With a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will adore, making it an essential recipe for any home cook’s repertoire.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Orzo:

To create a delightful Baked Feta Orzo, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 block (200g/7oz) of Feta cheese
– 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
– 300g (10oz) Baby Plum or Cherry Tomatoes, halved
– 200g (7oz) Asparagus, woody ends removed and sliced into 3 or 4 chunks
– 2 cups (400g) uncooked Orzo pasta
– 100g (3.5oz) Baby Spinach, roughly chopped
– 1/2 small bunch of Fresh Basil, finely diced (15g/0.5oz)
– 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, finely diced
– 2 heaped tablespoons (60g/2oz) Mascarpone cheese
– Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

For a complementary dish, check out the Classic Balsamic Orzo Salad, which perfectly pairs with this creamy baked orzo. Combining these vibrant ingredients will create a rich, satisfying meal that highlights the lusciousness of baked feta. Enjoy the blend of flavors and colors, making your dish not only delicious but also visually appealing!

How to Prepare Baked Feta Orzo:

To create a delectable Baked Feta Orzo, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and then add the halved baby plum or cherry tomatoes along with the chopped asparagus. Toss everything together before placing the block of feta cheese in the center.

Next, season the ingredients with salt and black pepper to your liking. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the feta is soft and the tomatoes burst. Meanwhile, cook the uncooked orzo according to package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot. Mix in the baby spinach, diced basil, chives, and mascarpone for added creaminess.

Once the feta mixture is out of the oven, combine it with the orzo, allowing the flavors to meld. This dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing side like Classic Balsamic Orzo Salad. Serve warm and enjoy this mix of textures and vibrant flavors!

Health Benefits:

Baked Feta Orzo is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The dish typically features orzo pasta, which is a good source of carbohydrates that provide energy. Whole-grain versions of orzo can enhance fiber intake, supporting digestive health and promoting satiety. Feta cheese, a key ingredient, contains calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle repair.

Additionally, this recipe often incorporates vegetables, boosting its vitamin and mineral content. Leafy greens and bell peppers can enhance the dish while delivering antioxidants that combat free radicals. For those who enjoy Mediterranean flavors, you might also explore the Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs for similar health benefits.

To dive deeper into a fantastic recipe that complements the flavors you love, check out this Baked Feta Orzo guide. It’s a satisfying meal that can easily fit into a healthy diet while keeping your taste buds delighted.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Feta Orzo:

Baked Feta Orzo pairs beautifully with a variety of fresh side dishes that enhance its creamy flavor. For a refreshing twist, consider serving it alongside a classic balsamic orzo salad. The tangy balsamic dressing and crisp vegetables complement the richness of the orzo, creating a balanced meal. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, try pairing it with Mediterranean baked feta eggs. The rich, flavorful eggs contrast nicely with the pasta, making for a breakfast-inspired dinner.

For a lighter option, simple greens dressed with lemon and olive oil can brighten your plate. Achieve a delightful meal by serving the baked orzo with savory feta turnovers, which offer a flaky texture and added cheese fun. This combination will surely impress your guests, making your dinner both delightful and memorable. Whatever you choose, enjoy the versatility that comes with baked feta orzo!

Storage Tips:

Baked Feta Orzo is a delightful dish that can provide delicious meals for days. To store leftover baked orzo, first, let it cool completely before refrigerating. Use airtight containers to seal in freshness. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

If you want to make it last even longer, consider freezing portions. Transfer the cooled orzo into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen baked feta orzo can last for about three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For other delicious orzo dishes, check out this link to a Classic Balsamic Orzo Salad that offers a fresh twist on orzo! This way, you can enjoy a variety of flavorful meals throughout the week!

Common Variations of Baked Feta Orzo:

Baked Feta Orzo can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. For instance, consider adding roasted vegetables or fresh herbs for an aromatic twist. You might also enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired approach by incorporating spinach, similar to this Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs recipe. Feel free to customize your cheesy orzo dish to make it uniquely yours!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is Baked Feta Orzo?

Baked Feta Orzo is a delightful dish that features orzo pasta baked with crumbled feta cheese, herbs, and vegetables. The combination creates a creamy, cheesy experience highlighted by the richness of baked feta.

How do I make Baked Feta Orzo?

To create this tasty dish, roast feta with orzo, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs. Bake until everything is tender and the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting meal.

Can I customize the ingredients in Baked Feta Orzo?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini. For a twist, try incorporating ingredients from a classic orzo salad, like olives or artichokes.

What can I serve with Baked Feta Orzo?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad. You might enjoy it with a simple Mediterranean Baked Feta Eggs recipe which complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Is Baked Feta Orzo suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

How do I store leftovers of Baked Feta Orzo?

Store leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, just reheat before serving for the best taste.

Baked Feta Orzo: You’ll Love This Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Feta Orzo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines creamy feta, fresh vegetables, and tender orzo pasta, all baked together for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1x 200g/7oz block of Feta

3 tbsp Olive Oil

300g / 10oz Baby Plum or Cherry Tomatoes

halved

200g / 7oz Asparagus

woody ends removed then sliced into 3 or 4 chunks

2 cups / 400g uncooked Orzo

100g / 3.5oz Baby Spinach

roughly diced

1/2 small bunch of Fresh Basil

finely diced

2 tbsp finely diced Fresh Chives

2 heaped tbsp / 2oz / 60g Mascarpone

Salt & Black Pepper

to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a baking dish, combine the halved tomatoes, chopped asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Nestle the block of feta in the center and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
While the feta and vegetables are baking, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Once the feta and veggies are done, remove from the oven and mix in the cooked orzo, baby spinach, fresh basil, chives, and mascarpone.
Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.