One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo

Okay, friend—this one’s a game-changer. Meet your new weeknight hero: One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo. It’s cozy, it’s colorful, and it comes together in just one dish (yep, one pan to rule them all). Creamy, melty feta cheese baked to perfection, nestled among tender roasted veggies and perfectly cooked orzo—this dish is basically a hug in a bowl.

It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy, but it’s shockingly easy. Pop everything into the oven, stir it up, and boom—you’ve got something that’s bursting with flavor, full of nourishing veggies, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding the family, or impressing your friends, this one’s got you covered. Let’s dive into this weeknight wonder!

Why You’ll Love One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo

• One Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything roasts and bakes together in one pan, making this a dream for busy weeknights.
• Veggie-Packed: Loaded with colorful, nutrient-rich veggies. It’s a great way to get in your greens (and reds, yellows, and purples!).
• Creamy and Comforting: The feta melts into the orzo, creating a naturally creamy, cheesy sauce with a tangy kick.
• Totally Customizable: Swap the veggies for whatever you’ve got in the fridge. This dish loves flexibility!
• Meal Prep Magic: It stores and reheats like a champ, making it perfect for lunches and leftovers.

Ingredients

This dish proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something spectacular. Just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies, and you’re good to go.

• Orzo Pasta: A tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavor and bakes to tender perfection.
• Feta Cheese Block: The creamy, salty centerpiece that bakes into the ultimate sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, they roast down into sweet, tangy flavor bombs.
• Bell Peppers: Add color, crunch, and a slightly sweet contrast to the feta.
• Zucchini: Mild and tender when roasted, zucchini helps balance the dish.
• Red Onion: Brings a little bite and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Garlic Cloves: Roasted whole or minced for extra flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps everything roast to golden perfection and adds that Mediterranean flair.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end brightens up all the flavors.
• Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: Adds herbaceous depth and ties it all together.
• Salt & Pepper: To enhance and balance the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to bring it all together—no stovetop juggling required!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, deep baking dish, add your chopped veggies, garlic, orzo, and olive oil. Toss everything together to coat.

Step 2: Add the Feta and Seasonings

Nestle the block of feta right in the center of the pan. Sprinkle the entire dish with your dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add Hot Water or Broth

Pour hot water or vegetable broth over the orzo and veggies (just enough to cook the pasta during baking). Give everything around the feta a gentle stir, keeping the cheese block intact.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the veggies are perfectly roasted. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes for a golden top and caramelized edges.

Step 5: Stir, Squeeze, Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, use a spoon to stir the melty feta into the orzo and veggies—it transforms into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Done and delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 440
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 520mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 35%
Vitamin C: 80%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo

This dish can totally shine on its own, but here are some fun ways to make it even better:

• Topped with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil, parsley, or mint right before serving adds fresh, vibrant flavor.
• With Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
• As a Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or Mediterranean-style mains.
• Leftover Love: Enjoy it cold as a pasta salad the next day—just add a splash of olive oil and a handful of spinach or arugula.

Additional Tips

• Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale right before baking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes before baking if you love a little heat.
• Use Whole Wheat Orzo: For extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
• Meal Prep Pro: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A1: You can, but a block melts better and creates that creamy sauce texture. If using crumbled, try pressing it together in the middle of the dish.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely—just use a gluten-free orzo or small pasta alternative, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q3: What vegetables can I swap in?
A3: Go wild! Try mushrooms, eggplant, broccoli, or spinach—anything that roasts well.

Q4: Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
A4: Yes! Using broth adds even more flavor and richness to the dish.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Totally. Use a plant-based feta alternative or a dairy-free creamy cheese. You can also stir in a bit of hummus after baking for creaminess.

Q6: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A6: Definitely. You can chop all the veggies and assemble the dish up to a day in advance—just wait to add the water or broth right before baking.

Q7: Can I make this with rice instead of orzo?
A7: It’s possible, but rice requires more liquid and time. If using rice, parboil it first or adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth or water to bring back that creamy texture.

Q9: Will the orzo be mushy?
A9: Not if you follow the baking time and liquid ratio carefully! It should come out tender, not mushy.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: It’s best fresh, but yes—you can freeze it. Let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently with a bit of liquid.

Conclusion

One Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo is proof that easy and delicious can go hand-in-hand. With vibrant roasted veggies, creamy feta, and tender orzo, this dish is pure comfort in a pan. It’s quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and tasty enough to crave again and again. Go ahead—save this one. You’ll want to make it on repeat!

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