Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta: My Simple Comfort Bowl (Print Version)
Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta is a simple, comforting dish that brings warmth to any night. Discover my easy recipe and kitchen tales.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Pantry Staples
01 -
Orzo Pasta
02 -
Vegetable Broth
03 -
Olive Oil
→ Fresh & Flavorful
04 -
Cherry Tomatoes
05 -
Garlic
06 -
Fresh Spinach
07 -
Lemon Juice
→ Dairy & Richness
08 -
Feta Cheese
09 -
Heavy Cream
→ Seasonings
10 -
Dried Oregano
11 -
Salt
12 -
Black Pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients ready. Mince that garlic, chop your onion (if using), and have those cherry tomatoes washed and ready to burst. I always feel so much calmer when everything's prepped, even if my counter looks like a tornado just hit it. This is where I sometimes forget to measure things precisely, but with this Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta, a little extra garlic is never a bad thing!
02 -
Heat a good glug of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped onion, if you're using it. Sauté until they're fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Don't let the garlic burn; that's a mistake I've made more times than I care to admit, and honestly, burnt garlic just makes everything bitter. Keep an eye on it!
03 -
Now, here's a step that makes a difference for this Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta. Add the dry orzo to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes until it's lightly toasted and smells a bit nutty. This extra step really brings out the flavor of the pasta and helps it absorb the broth beautifully. It's a small thing, but trust me, it matters!
04 -
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I once walked away for too long and ended up with a slightly crispy bottom layer – oops! Learn from my mistakes, friend, and give it a loving stir.
05 -
Once the orzo is almost done, stir in the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and heavy cream. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring gently, until the tomatoes start to soften and burst, and the sauce thickens slightly. The smell at this point is just incredible – all those Mediterranean vibes filling your kitchen! This is where the magic really starts happening for our Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The spinach will wilt quickly from the residual heat. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, perhaps with a little extra feta crumbled on top because, why not? It should be wonderfully creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta!
# Notes:
01 -
Always toast your orzo before adding liquid; it really enhances the nutty flavor and texture of this Creamy Orzo, Tomatoes, and Feta.
02 -
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the original lusciousness.
03 -
If you're out of feta, goat cheese or ricotta can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be different.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors and is a must for me!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or pot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
knife
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: ~450
Total Fat: ~25g
Total Carbohydrate: ~45g
Protein: ~15g