Description
This One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo is a delicious and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish combining creamy baked feta cheese with tender orzo pasta and roasted vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it requires minimal prep and cleanup, baking everything together in a single dish to create a harmonious blend of flavors with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 8-oz block feta cheese
Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Vegetables: 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 everything well to evenly coat the vegetables with the oil and seasonings. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Sprinkle the dry orzo pasta evenly around the feta and vegetable mixture. Pour the vegetable broth over the orzo, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged to cook properly during baking.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step cooks the orzo and softens the vegetables.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered, allowing the top to become slightly golden and any remaining liquid to absorb.
- Combine and Garnish: Take the dish out of the oven and stir everything together until the feta becomes creamy and fully incorporates with the orzo and vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor, though broth adds more depth.
- Adjust chili flakes up or down depending on your preferred spice level or omit entirely for no heat.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir the feta cheese more vigorously to break it down thoroughly.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with a gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
