Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Feta Orzo Bake
A hands-off baked orzo dish with bursts of tomato, tangy feta, and a creamy sauce.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Forget the mess and endless stirring – this Creamy Tomato and Feta Orzo Bake is here to make your dinner dreams come true! Inspired by viral baked feta pasta, this fuss-free recipe combines un-cooked orzo, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese all baked together into a wonderfully creamy and comforting dish. It's a truly brilliant way to get a flavorful meal on the table with minimal effort. Just prep, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese, preferably in brine, drained
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2
Add the cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
Step 3
Bake for 20 minutes, or until tomatoes are bursting and feta is softened and slightly browned.
Step 4
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, in a separate medium bowl, combine the uncooked orzo, vegetable broth, remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 5
Once the feta and tomatoes are baked, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully add the orzo and broth mixture directly to the baking dish around the feta and tomatoes. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid.
Step 6
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Remove from oven, stir in the heavy cream and mash the feta into the orzo mixture until a creamy sauce forms. Taste and adjust seasonings. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Tips
- Use good quality feta cheese, preferably packed in brine, for the best flavor and texture.
- If the orzo seems too dry during baking, add a splash more broth.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño with the tomatoes.
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