It was a chilly evening when I first saw baked feta pasta on social media. The pictures of creamy cheese and orzo looked amazing. I wanted to make it right away.
I set a timer for 30 minutes, excited for a warm meal. Little did I know, this dish would become a family favorite. It brings smiles and satisfaction with every bite.
Imagine a mix of roasted cherry tomatoes and herby feta cheese in one dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make. When I took my first bite, I felt like I was in a Mediterranean kitchen.
That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s perfect for dinner any night!
Introduction to Baked Feta Orzo
Baked feta orzo is a tasty dish. It mixes orzo pasta with creamy feta cheese. I cook the orzo just right, then mix it with feta cheese.
This makes a soft, yummy sauce. It’s easy to make but tastes amazing.
Garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil add a Mediterranean taste. This dish is great for both experts and beginners. It’s ready in under an hour, perfect for any time.
I like to try new veggies or add chicken or chickpeas. It always turns out delicious. Baked feta orzo is a hit in my kitchen.
Why Choose Baked Feta Pasta?
Baked feta pasta is a quick and tasty meal to make. It’s loved for its bright colors and yummy flavors. You can make it in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or surprise meals.
This recipe needs only a few things like cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. You can use orzo, penne, or fusilli pasta. These shapes soak up the sauce well, making each bite creamy.
The feta cheese makes a rich sauce when baked. Adding roasted veggies like asparagus or spinach adds flavor and nutrients.
This dish is easy to change up. You can add different veggies, proteins, or cheeses. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This makes it fun for everyone to make their own version.
Using an Instant Pot can make cooking even faster. The sauce gets thicker with pasta water. This dish is quick to make but full of flavor, which is why it’s so popular.
Here’s why baked feta orzo is so great:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | Under 30 minutes |
| Baking Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese, tomatoes, pasta, olive oil, herbs |
| Nutritional Value (per serving with whole wheat pasta) | Calories: 394, Protein: 16g, Fat: 15g |
| Customization Options | Fresh herbs, proteins, different cheeses, spice levels |
Best Baked Feta Orzo Ingredients
For a tasty feta orzo bake, you need the best ingredients. Each part adds flavor and texture. Together, they make a dish that’s both tasty and comforting.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dish
Here’s what you need for a great baked orzo with feta:
- 8 oz of feta cheese (1 block)
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 1 cup of garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- ½ lb of orzo, cooked al dente
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/3 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ½ lemon (juice)
- 2 tablespoons of white balsamic glaze
- Fresh dill or 2 teaspoons of dried dill (optional)
Fresh ingredients like spinach and garlic make the dish colorful and healthy.
Choosing the Right Feta Cheese
The feta cheese you pick is key. I like Attis Greek feta for its creamy melt. It makes the orzo taste amazing.
Choose brined feta for the best flavor. Greek feta is tangy and perfect. The right feta makes this dish unforgettable.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Feta Cheese | 8 oz (1 block) |
| Olive Oil | ½ cup |
| Garlic | 1 cup, minced |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh Spinach | 2 cups |
| Orzo | ½ lb, cooked al dente |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Lemon Juice | ½ lemon |
| White Balsamic Glaze | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make Baked Feta Orzo
Making baked feta orzo is easy. I’ll show you how to do it at home. We’ll make sure every part is perfect for a tasty dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, heat your oven to 200C (390F). This is key for the feta to turn out right.
- Get your ingredients ready:
- 200g (7oz) feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 300g (10oz) baby plum or cherry tomatoes
- 200g (7oz) asparagus
- 400g (2 cups) uncooked orzo
- 100g (3.5oz) baby spinach
- 15g (0.5oz) fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- 60g (2oz) mascarpone
- In a baking dish, mix the feta, olive oil, and tomatoes. Bake for 8 minutes.
- While the feta bakes, cook the orzo. Boil about 5 cups of water and add the orzo. Cook for 8-10 minutes as the package says.
- After 8 minutes, remove the feta from the oven. Add the asparagus. Bake for another 15 minutes. This makes the veggies taste great.
- Drain the orzo, keeping about ½ cup of the water. This water will make the sauce creamy.
- Add the cooked orzo to the dish. Mix in the spinach, basil, chives, and some cheese for garnish. Mix gently.
- Put the dish back in the oven for 20 minutes. This lets everything mix well.
- Take it out again. Mix in the mascarpone. Bake for 10 more minutes to cook it through.
Serve it hot and enjoy your homemade baked feta orzo. It’s creamy and perfect for any time!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Feta Cheese | 200g (7oz) |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Baby Plum or Cherry Tomatoes | 300g (10oz) |
| Asparagus | 200g (7oz) |
| Uncooked Orzo | 400g (2 cups) |
| Baby Spinach | 100g (3.5oz) |
| Fresh Basil | 15g (0.5oz) |
| Fresh Chives | 2 tablespoons |
| Mascarpone | 60g (2oz, or 2 heaped tablespoons) |
Cooking Tips for Delicious Baked Feta Orzo
To make a tasty feta orzo dish, follow some key steps. Always save some pasta water. This water makes the sauce creamy. Use about a cup of it before draining the orzo.
Use a big oven-safe pan to mix the ingredients. This makes mixing easy and flavors spread well. I like using a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for its heat keeping.
Adjusting flavors is important to make it your own. Start with these:
- Add more herbs like basil or thyme for freshness.
- Try adding spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and taste.
- For spice, add more chili pepper flakes or jalapeños.
If the orzo is crunchy, bake it longer. Bake for 5 to 10 more minutes. This makes the orzo tender and all flavors mix well.
With these tips, your feta orzo will be a hit. It will impress everyone at your table!
Variations on Baked Feta Orzo
Baked feta orzo is a great base for creativity. It lets me use different tastes and ingredients. I enjoy trying new twists on this tasty dish.
Additions and Substitutes for Customization
When making orzo with baked feta, I think about adding flavors. Here are some things I like to add:
- Roasted bell peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Green or black olives, adding a savory depth.
- Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus enhance freshness.
- Spinach provides a nutritious boost; I like using 2 cups of packed spinach.
- Different cheeses, like goat cheese or burrata, can create unique flavor profiles.
- Herbs such as basil, thyme, or dill can significantly alter the aroma and taste.
Every time I make orzo with baked feta, I find new ideas. It’s perfect for any meal, from quick dinners to fancy parties. I love how easy it is to change it up.
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Bell Peppers | Sweet, Smoky | Enhances overall flavor complexity. |
| Olives | Savory, Briny | Choose between green and black for different tastes. |
| Seasonal Vegetables | Fresh, Varied | Suggests personal touch based on the market. |
| Goat Cheese | Creamy, Tangy | Offers a different take compared to feta. |
| Dill | Herbaceous, Bright | Great for summer; pairs well with lemon. |
There are so many baked feta orzo variations to try. Each mix makes a unique meal that I love to share.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Feta Orzo
When serving baked feta orzo, how you present it matters a lot. I like to make it look good, which is great for any meal. Serving it with crusty bread is a nice touch. It adds a nice crunch and goes well with the creamy orzo and feta.
For a full meal, try it with a fresh salad. A salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing is perfect. Here are more ideas for serving baked feta orzo:
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a healthy side.
- Serve alongside marinated olives to enhance flavors.
- Accompany with roasted chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Choosing the right wine can make the meal even better. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is a great choice. To make it special, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or chives. This adds color and freshness that makes the dish even better.
Nutrition Information for Baked Feta Orzo
Enjoying a healthy feta orzo dish is easy with the right info. Each serving has about 634 calories. It also has 87.07 grams of carbs, making it filling for any meal.
It has 17.76 grams of protein too. This is great for muscle repair and health.
The dish has a good mix of fats. Each serving has 25.84 grams of fat. This includes 10.907 grams of saturated fat and 11.025 grams of monounsaturated fats.
This mix lets me enjoy the flavors without guilt. Plus, it has 13.4 grams of fiber per serving. This helps with digestion and keeps me full.
Baked Feta Orzo is also packed with vitamins and minerals. It has 3973 IU of Vitamin A and 19.9 mg of Vitamin C per serving. It also has calcium and iron, supporting bone health and energy.
Knowing these facts, I can enjoy this dish. It’s perfect for a balanced diet without losing flavor.
