If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, comforting meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor, this One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine a rich block of creamy feta melting into perfectly cooked orzo pasta as juicy cherry tomatoes, tender zucchini, and colorful bell peppers roast together in one dish. It’s a medley of freshness, heartiness, and a touch of spice that brings every bite to life. Plus, the simplicity of preparing everything in just one pan saves time and cleanup, making it feel like a kitchen win every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table—from texture and color to that unmistakable flavor burst. You’re looking at a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce that blend seamlessly when baked.
- Feta cheese (8 oz block): The star of the dish, creamy and tangy, it melts beautifully into the orzo, creating a luscious sauce.
- Dry orzo pasta (1 1/2 cups): Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors perfectly and cooks up tender without fuss.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Burst with juicy sweetness that complements the savory feta and veggies.
- Zucchini (1, diced): Adds a gentle earthiness and satisfying bite, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Bell pepper (1, chopped): Choose any color for a pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red onion (1 small, sliced): Provides a mild sharpness that softens perfectly as it roasts.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with depth and a fragrant aroma that makes every forkful crave-worthy.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps everything roast beautifully and melds the flavors together.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, herbal note classic to Mediterranean dishes.
- Chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Add a gentle kick if you like a little heat in your meal.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the fresh ingredients.
- Vegetable broth (3 cups): The cooking liquid that turns the orzo tender while adding subtle savory depth.
- Fresh basil or parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): For a bright, fresh finish and beautiful garnish.
How to Make One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. This temperature is perfect for roasting the veggies and melting the feta while the orzo cooks to tender perfection all at once.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Cheese
Grab a large baking dish and toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle with dried oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so each piece is coated with the seasoning and oil. Nestle the block of feta right in the center for that beautiful melting effect.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Broth
Sprinkle the dry orzo evenly around the cheese and vegetables. Pour the vegetable broth gently over the orzo, ensuring it’s mostly submerged to cook evenly. This liquid will be absorbed by the pasta while baking, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. During this time, the feta softens, veggies roast, and orzo starts to cook. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the top gets a slight golden finish.
Step 5: Stir and Combine
Once out of the oven, stir everything together gently until the feta becomes creamy and coats the orzo and veggies perfectly. The mixture should be rich and inviting, with every ingredient giving you a burst of flavor.
How to Serve One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top right before serving to add a fresh herbal brightness. A little extra drizzle of good-quality olive oil wouldn’t hurt either for added silkiness and flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own but pairs exceptionally well with crisp green salads, marinated olives, or crusty rustic bread for dipping up the creamy orzo sauce. For a heartier spread, complement it with grilled chicken or a simple roasted fish to keep the flavors in harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving this dish family-style on a large platter garnished with edible flowers or extra herbs for color. You might also portion it into individual ramekins for a cozy, elegant touch that feels both homey and refined.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing and leave a little space at the top for expansion. When thawed, the texture may be a little softer but still tasty and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir gently while warming to keep the feta from clumping and to evenly heat the orzo and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is key for its unique tang and melt, but you could try halloumi or goat cheese for a twist. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will change, so feta remains the ideal choice for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This dish is not vegan because of the feta cheese, but you could use a plant-based feta substitute to make it vegan-friendly without losing the creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or even quinoa, keeping the same liquid ratio for cooking. The veggies and feta combo still shine beautifully with these alternatives.
What can I do if I don’t have vegetable broth?
Water works fine in a pinch, but adding a teaspoon of vegetable bouillon or seasoning can help maintain depth of flavor if you’re skipping the broth.
How spicy is the dish with chili flakes?
The 1/2 teaspoon gives a gentle heat that enhances flavor without overpowering. You can adjust or omit completely depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and comforting textures that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but special enough to impress friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy how effortlessly fantastic a meal can be when everything bakes together perfectly in one pan!
Print
One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired dish. Featuring tender orzo pasta baked with a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion, all infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of chili flakes. Baked together in one dish, this meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, delivering rich textures and vibrant flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 8-oz block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the orzo and vegetables.
- Assemble Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat all the vegetables and spices with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Add Feta: Place the whole block of feta cheese in the center of the prepared veggie mixture in the baking dish, allowing it to bake and soften amidst the vegetables.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Sprinkle the dry orzo pasta evenly around the feta and veggies. Pour the vegetable broth (or water) over the orzo so that it is mostly submerged, which will help the pasta cook evenly in the oven.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the orzo to cook and the feta to soften and melt slightly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the top of the dish is lightly golden.
- Mix and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven and stir everything together thoroughly. As you mix, the feta will become creamy and fully combined with the orzo and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting baked feta orzo.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor.
- Try adding different vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Using fresh herbs for garnish enhances the overall freshness and aroma.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
