Healthy Baked Feta Orzo
This Healthy Baked Feta Orzo is a vibrant, nutrient-dense twist on the viral trend. Combining salty feta with blistered tomatoes, tender asparagus, and a touch of silky mascarpone, it creates a luxury meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Feta cheese – 1 block (approx. 7 oz)
Cherry tomatoes – 10 oz, halved
Asparagus – 7 oz, cut into 1-inch pieces
Orzo pasta – 2 cups
Baby spinach – 3.5 oz, roughly chopped
Mascarpone cheese – 2 tbsp
Fresh basil – 0.5 oz, finely chopped
Fresh chives – 2 tbsp, chopped
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Place the block of feta in the center of a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 8 minutes.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and asparagus pieces around the feta. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and season with black pepper.
Roast for another 12–15 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft.
While roasting, boil the orzo in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
Mash the softened feta with a fork, then stir in the cooked orzo, chopped spinach, and reserved pasta water.
Incorporate the mascarpone, basil, and chives. Mix until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is velvety. Serve immediately.
Notes
• Use high-quality sheep’s milk feta for the creamiest texture.
• Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it is essential for the sauce consistency.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for an extra pop of brightness.
Find it online: https://familiesrecipes.com/easy-baked-feta-orzo/