Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Orzo with Garlic & Herb
This orzo dish is smooth, comforting, and a little smoky — with roasted red peppers blended into a creamy sauce. Finished with garlic, herbs, and optional feta, it’s perfect as a side or vegetarian main.
⏱️ Time:
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
1 cup dry orzo
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
¼ cup Greek yogurt or cream
¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Orzo:
Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make Red Pepper Sauce:
In a blender, blend roasted red peppers with Greek yogurt (or cream), a pinch of salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In a skillet, heat olive oil and gently sauté garlic and smoked paprika for 1 min.
4. Combine:
Add cooked orzo and pepper sauce to the pan. Stir in feta or Parmesan and a splash of pasta water until creamy.
5. Finish & Serve:
Stir in chopped herbs. Serve warm topped with extra cheese and herbs.
NOTES
Roasted Red Peppers:
Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience — just drain well. If roasting your own, char bell peppers under a broiler or over an open flame, then peel and deseed before blending.
Orzo Texture:
Cook orzo just until al dente and stir frequently while cooking — it tends to stick. Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
Feta & Parmesan:
Both cheeses work wonderfully. Feta adds tang and saltiness, while Parmesan melts into the sauce for a silkier texture. You can also use both!
Fresh Herbs:
Finish with parsley, basil, or dill for brightness. A touch of mint also works well for a more refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions:
This orzo makes a perfect vegetarian main, or serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp.
️ Nutrition information
Calories: ~410
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium:low