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
Scale
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.
