Name: Baked Feta Orzo Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta; 7 ounces feta cheese block; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 ounces baby spinach; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 9 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Description

A delightful medley of creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta, all baked to perfection with fresh spinach.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
7 ounces feta cheese block
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 ounces baby spinach
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
9 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil at the base of a large ovenproof baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center and arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and minced garlic around the feta. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
Cook orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, reserving half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, add the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix gently, breaking up the feta to create a creamy sauce.
Add the baby spinach and cooked orzo. Toss until the spinach wilts and coats the pasta. Use reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Opt for high-quality feta cheese for a creamier sauce. Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg