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Baked Feta Orzo Spinach: A Creamy, Comforting, Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Bake
If you’re searching for a cozy, delicious, and incredibly simple pasta recipe, Baked Feta Orzo Spinach is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This dish brings together the creaminess of baked feta, the delicate texture of orzo, and the vibrant freshness of spinach — all baked together to make a one-pan meal that tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors and the viral baked feta pasta trend, this version elevates the concept into a more complete, satisfying, and balanced dish. Instead of traditional pasta shapes, we use orzo, which cooks into a soft, risotto-like base that absorbs flavor beautifully. The feta melts into a velvety sauce, cherry tomatoes roast until jammy, garlic infuses warmth, and the spinach adds bright green color and nutrients. Every bite brings comfort, richness, and freshness.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or a versatile dish for meal prep, this baked feta orzo packs in flavor, nutrients, and convenience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to make it successfully — from ingredients and techniques to tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage instructions.
Let’s jump in.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Orzo Spinach Recipe
1. One-pan convenience
All the roasting and sauce-building happens in one baking dish. The orzo cooks separately, but the final mix is effortless and fast.
2. It’s creamy without using cream
The feta melts and coats every grain of orzo, creating indulgent creaminess with no heavy ingredients.
3. Flavor-packed with minimal ingredients
Garlic, tomato, lemon zest, feta, and spinach — simple ingredients that come together into a dreamy Mediterranean dish.
4. Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests
This recipe tastes restaurant-quality but requires less than 30 minutes of hands-on time.
5. Family-friendly, meal-prep–friendly
Leftovers hold up well, making it great for lunches, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients for Baked Feta Orzo Spinach
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- Extra olive oil (optional)
How to Make Baked Feta Orzo Spinach (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the baking dish
Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle everything with olive oil.
2. Season
Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat tomatoes but leave the feta in the center.
3. Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until tomatoes burst and the feta softens and browns lightly.
4. Cook the orzo
While feta bakes, cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
5. Add spinach
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, add the chopped spinach directly on top of the hot tomatoes and feta. The heat will wilt it perfectly.
6. Mix the sauce
Use a spoon to mash the baked feta, tomatoes, garlic, oil, and spinach together to create the creamy sauce base.
7. Add the orzo
Stir in the cooked orzo. Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water until creamy and silky.
8. Taste and adjust
Add more salt, lemon, pepper, or olive oil depending on your preferences.
9. Serve
Enjoy warm and topped with extra feta or fresh herbs if desired.
Baked Feta Orzo Spinach
A creamy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired baked feta pasta made with orzo, spinach, tomatoes, and lemon for a bright and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place feta block in the center of a baking dish and surround with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until feta is soft and tomatoes have burst.
- Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve pasta water.
- Add spinach to the hot baking dish and stir to wilt.
- Mash baked feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce base.
- Stir in cooked orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pasta water until creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm.
Notes
Add olives or roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Feta Orzo Spinach
Use real block feta
Crumbled feta won’t melt the same way. Use a full block of high-quality feta packed in brine.
Don’t skip the lemon
The acidity brightens the richness of the sauce and balances the feta.
Cook orzo al dente
Orzo softens easily; al dente ensures it remains pleasantly firm after mixing.
Add pasta water gradually
This helps emulsify the sauce to a perfectly creamy texture.
Want stronger garlic flavor?
Stir in raw grated garlic at the end to intensify the aromatic notes.
Variations
1. Protein Variations
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Ground turkey
- Chickpeas
2. Veggie Boosters
Add:
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Zucchini
- Roasted broccoli
3. Creamier Version
Stir in:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- A splash of heavy cream
4. Spicy Mediterranean Version
Add:
- Calabrian chili
- Extra red pepper flakes
- Harissa
5. Greek-Inspired Version
Top with:
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh dill
- Cucumbers (added after baking)
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside:
- Grilled chicken
- Greek salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon herb salmon
This dish also makes an excellent potluck recipe because the flavors deepen as it sits.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Refrigerate:
Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat:
Add a splash of water or broth and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezing:
Not recommended; dairy-based sauces separate.