One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe

If you’re looking for a breezy, comforting dinner that comes together effortlessly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’re going to adore this One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe. I first stumbled upon this little gem when I wanted something hearty but simple, and it quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. All you need is one baking dish, fresh veggies, and that magical block of feta to create a creamy, flavorful orzo dish that makes your family (and you!) very happy. Stick around, because I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you nail it perfectly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe is how the ingredients harmonize to create something far more than the sum of its parts. Simple pantry staples and fresh veggies come together with feta’s rich tang, while vegetable broth keeps the orzo tender and flavorful.

• Olive oil: I recommend using good quality extra virgin olive oil for that fruity richness that complements the feta beautifully.
• Dry orzo: Choose dry, not cooked orzo—you’ll be baking it right in the dish with the liquid.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and a subtle earthiness; no need to squeeze out the water, it helps cook the orzo.
• Carrot: Grated carrot brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Red onion: Finely chopped, it melts into the orzo for mellow flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds that classic savory zing—adjust to your taste.
• Dried oregano: Brings in a lovely herby note that pairs amazingly with the feta and veggies.
• Chili pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
• Vegetable broth: Low sodium is best so you can control saltiness; it’s the cooking liquid that flavors the orzo deeply.
• Milk: A splash of milk adds creaminess to the sauce made with feta.
• Feta block: The star of the show—a block (not crumbled) to bake right in the center, creating that deliciously creamy sauce once mixed.
• Optional garnish: Lemon wedges, extra olive oil drizzle, and fresh chopped parsley for brightness and freshness when serving.

Variations

I love making this One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe my own depending on what’s in my fridge and the season. Feel free to swap veggies or tweak the spice level to your liking—you really can’t go wrong here.

• Veggie Swap: I’ve swapped in chopped cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of sweetness—I recommend tossing them in halfway through baking so they don’t get mushy.
• Protein Boost: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the meal more filling.
• Herb Variations: Fresh basil or thyme makes a great alternative to oregano if you want a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, bump up the chili flakes or throw in some smoked paprika for smoky depth.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). While it’s warming up, grate your zucchini and carrot—no need to squeeze out any liquid, which helps keep the orzo tender. Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients ready to go before assembling makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Combine Everything in Your Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread it around. Add the dry orzo, grated zucchini, carrot, chopped onion, garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and milk, then stir everything gently to combine. Don’t worry if it seems watery—that liquid is essential for cooking the orzo perfectly in the oven.

Step 3: Nestle the Feta and Bake

Make a little well in the center of the orzo mixture and place your block of feta there. Drizzle a little olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper over the feta. Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. When it’s done, the orzo might look a bit watery on the bottom—this is totally normal. Use a fork or spoon to mix it all up immediately, incorporating the creamy feta and cooking liquid for a luscious, smooth consistency.

How to Serve One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this dish with a few wedges of lemon on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice over each serving adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. A drizzle of good quality olive oil and some chopped fresh parsley on top add vibrant color and a touch of herbal freshness that makes it extra special.

Side Dishes

Because this recipe is fairly rich and filling, I like pairing it with something light and crisp like a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears. If you want a heartier meal, grilled chicken or a crusty garlic bread round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this orzo in individual ramekins instead of a big dish, baking feta blocks in each portion so everyone gets their own bubbly, cheesy centerpiece. It’s a nice way to impress guests without extra effort, and you can customize each ramekin with different veggies or herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo thickens as it cools, so give it a good stir before reheating to help loosen that creamy sauce back up.

Freezing

While I haven’t had much luck freezing this dish due to the milk and feta turning a bit grainy, you could freeze the orzo and veggies without the cheese, then bake fresh feta on top after thawing for better texture.

Reheating

Microwaving works fine—just add a splash of milk or broth and cover the dish to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop in a pan over low heat with a little extra liquid, stirring frequently to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One-Pan Baked Feta Veggie Orzo Recipe comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort and flavor. It’s one of those recipes that’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or whipping up a quick weekday meal, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you taste that creamy, tangy feta stirred through tender orzo and veggies, you’ll be hooked!

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