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–+ servings
Baking dish with baked orzo with blue napkins.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Easy Baked Orzo

This incredibly easy baked orzo with feta is loaded with Mediterranean flavor and is great as a side dish but substantial enough to be a main course.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course, pasta
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 6
Author: James Delmage

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed
  • 4 cups (1L) low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pound (454g) orzo
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons minced flat leaf Italian parsley for garnish
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Heat the oil in a saucepot to medium heat and add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened and the edges start to brown (about 10 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the hot red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Add the plum tomatoes and bring to a lively simmer. Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the chicken stock, oregano, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg. Bring a boil for 2 minutes, while mixing to incorporate. Taste test and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Turn off the heat and mix in the orzo. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Note: If you used an oven-safe pan you're good to go, otherwise pour the contents into a baking dish before baking.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle on the feta. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the orzo is tender.
  • Sprinkle the parsley on top and serve with more feta and lemon wedges. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Servings. Makes 8 moderate or 4-6 large servings.
  • Baking dish.  If you used an oven-safe pan for sauteing you're good to go, otherwise pour the contents into a baking dish before baking.
  • Add meat. Ground meat such as beef chuck or lamb can be added to this dish to make a more substantial meal.
  • Leftovers. Baked orzo can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 64.9g | Protein: 12.4g | Fat: 22.9g | Saturated Fat: 5.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 629mg | Fiber: 9.3g | Sugar: 5.9g | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 4mg

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