Baked Tomato & Feta Orzo Bake 🍝
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features creamy baked feta cheese, sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh zucchini, and tender orzo pasta.
Ingredients 🛒
1.5 cups (250g) dry orzo pasta 🌾
1 block (200g) feta cheese 🧀
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes 🍅
1 medium zucchini, diced 🥒
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 🫒
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 🥣
1/2 tsp dried oregano 🌿
Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prep Preheat ➡️ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 🌡️
2. Arrange the Base ➡️ Place the block of feta cheese directly in the center of a large baking dish. 🧀
3. Add Vegetables & Orzo ➡️ Scatter the cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, minced garlic, and uncooked dry orzo around the feta block. 🍅🥒
4. Season & Liquid ➡️ Drizzle olive oil over everything. Season with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the warm broth over the dish, surrounding the cheese. 🫒🥣
5. Bake to Tender ➡️ Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered, the feta is soft, and the orzo is cooked through. ⏲️
6. Stir & Serve ➡️ Remove from the oven. Gently stir everything together so the softened feta forms a rich, creamy sauce coating the orzo. Top with freshly chopped basil and serve warm! 🌿🍽️
Nutritional Benefits 🥗
Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces oxidative stress. 🍅
Feta Cheese: Provides a solid source of calcium and protein for bone strength and muscle repair. 🧀
Zucchini: High in water content, dietary fiber, and Vitamin C to aid digestion and boost immunity. 🥒
Olive Oil: Delivers healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular wellness. 🫒