Spinach and Feta Orzo Bake
This Spinach and Feta Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender orzo pasta is baked with spinach, feta cheese, and a creamy tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that works well as a vegetarian main course or a side dish.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 oz frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
½ cup tomato sauce or passata
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Cheese & Dairy:
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Toppings & Garnish:
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Orzo (10 minutes)
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the orzo until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics & Spinach (5 minutes)
4. In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients (5 minutes)
8. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
9. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
10. Mix in the cooked orzo and ½ cup of feta cheese.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture (5 minutes)
11. In a bowl, whisk milk and eggs together.
12. Pour the mixture over the orzo and stir gently.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake (30 minutes)
13. Sprinkle the top with remaining feta, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using).
14. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
15. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
16. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
17. Let the bake sit for 5 minutes before serving.
18. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cooking Notes & Tips
Make it Creamier: Substitute milk with heavy cream or add ¼ cup Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Add Protein: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chickpeas for added protein.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap orzo with gluten-free small pasta or cooked quinoa.
More Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A:Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A:Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A:Yes, but it’s best without the egg mixture. Assemble everything except eggs and dairy, freeze, then add eggs and milk before baking.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A:Pair it with a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Enjoy your Spinach and Feta Orzo Bake, a comforting and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish!