Baked Feta Orzo Spinach

This baked feta orzo with spinach is my absolute go-to when I need something creamy flavorful and simple yet sophisticated for a weeknight dinner or a small get together Roasting feta with tomatoes makes its own luscious sauce that hugs every tender piece of pasta while lemon and herbs keep things fresh and light

Every time I make this the kitchen smells incredible as the feta melts and tomatoes burst with flavor Even my most skeptical friends ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta: Lends a silky texture and catches every bit of sauce Choose a high quality Italian or whole wheat orzo if preferred
• Feta cheese: Gives creamy tang and salty richness Look for a block feta in brine rather than pre crumbled for best texture
• Cream cheese: Makes the sauce extra luscious and smooth Use plain full fat for best flavor
• Olive oil: Adds Mediterranean character and helps vegetables roast beautifully Use a fresh extra virgin oil
• Baby spinach: Brings fresh greens and beautiful color Use young spinach for tender leaves
• Red onion: Offers gentle sweetness and extra depth Slice it thinly for the most even baking
• Garlic: Wakes up the whole dish with savory aroma Use fat cloves and mince fresh just before adding
• Cherry tomatoes: Provide sweet tart bursts that keep flavors lively Choose vine ripened or grape tomatoes when possible
• Lemon zest and juice: Adds brightness that balances the rich cheese Choose an organic lemon for best zest
• Dried oregano: Classic herbal note integral to Mediterranean dishes
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For subtle heat use if you like a little zing
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning taste as you go and use flaky sea salt for finishing if you love bursts of saltiness
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Offers balance with a sweet herbal finish Go for fresh whole leaves of basil or flat leaf Italian parsley

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit Let it come to temperature while you prep your ingredients This heat will allow the vegetables and feta to caramelize beautifully

Assemble the Baking Dish:

Coat the bottom of a large ovenproof baking dish with one tablespoon olive oil Place the block of feta right in the center and arrange the halved cherry tomatoes red onion slices and minced garlic all around Sprinkle with dried oregano red pepper flakes salt and freshly ground black pepper Then drizzle the final tablespoon of olive oil over the top This layering surrounds the feta with veggies so the flavors meld as they roast

Roast Until Bubbly:

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for twenty five minutes The feta should be soft not melted and the tomatoes should look wrinkled and juicy

Cook the Orzo:

While the cheese bakes boil a large pot of salted water Add the orzo and cook until barely al dente usually one to two minutes less than the package suggests Before draining reserve a half cup of pasta water as this will loosen up your final sauce

Combine the Sauce:

Carefully remove the roasted feta and veggies from the oven Immediately spoon in the cream cheese lemon zest and fresh lemon juice Stir everything together gently breaking up the feta so it mixes with the roasted tomatoes onions and garlic The goal is a rich tangy sauce

Bring It All Together:

Add the cooked orzo and the fresh baby spinach to the hot baking dish Stir immediately so the heat wilts the spinach and evenly coats the pasta If the sauce feels thick add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy

Finish and Garnish:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper Scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top and bring the whole dish to the table piping hot

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My absolute favorite ingredient here is block feta because of its incredible creaminess once baked My family always gathers in the kitchen to sneak tastes as I stir the sauce together since the aroma is just impossible to resist This meal tends to inspire the best dinner table conversations and memories

Storage Tips

Baked feta orzo keeps in the fridge for up to three days covered tightly Reheat gently so the sauce stays creamy If you want to freeze it let the pasta cool fully then store in a freezer safe container Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out baby spinach for baby kale arugula or even chopped chard Use gluten free orzo to fit dietary needs Goat cheese can stand in for feta if you want a milder tang Adding grilled chicken or cooked chickpeas makes it more filling while keeping it wholesome

Serving Suggestions

Spoon it into bowls and top with more fresh herbs or extra feta Serve with a side of crusty bread or warmed pita and a crisp green salad This meal also works beautifully as a side dish for a larger Mediterranean feast

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Baked feta is a classic in Mediterranean comfort cooking and pairing it with orzo and spinach gives it a Greek twist In summer swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom varieties or add zucchini In cooler months you can roast root veggies along with the onions and tomatoes for extra heartiness

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This dish brings everyone around the table and reheats beautifully for leftovers Make it once and it just might become your new weeknight favorite

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture and flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely, simply replace regular orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped alternatives.

→ Which herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh basil or parsley provide a fragrant finish, but mint or oregano are also excellent choices.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or swap spinach for kale or arugula for variation.

→ What protein can I add?

Mix in cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness, as noted in the optional tips.

→ How do I achieve a creamier texture?

Reserve some pasta water and gradually mix it in until you reach your preferred consistency.