Orzo with Spinach and Feta

Orzo with spinach, feta cheese and sun dried tomatoes. Easy, creamy one-pan side or main dish (just add a protein) – ready in 20 minutes!

This creamy orzo pasta recipe is loaded with cozy comfort and the perfect weeknight dinner.

Tender orzo in a creamy, cheesy sauce with fresh spinach, tangy sun dried tomatoes, fresh herbs and as much feta cheese as your heart desires.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE:

1. This orzo dish whips up in just 20 minutes.
2. It’s a delicious, hearty side dish that goes with almost anything.
3. Add an easy protein (ex: shrimp, chicken, steak) for a complete meal.
4. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients from the grocery store.
5. The orzo pasta simmers in the chicken stock adding tons of delicious flavor to this simple dish.
6. It’s a tasty treat any time of year.

WHAT’S IN ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA?

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small shallot minced
• salt and black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked) 
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach stems trimed and rough chopped
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes julienne cut (or more to taste)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• juice and zest from half of one lemon (or more to taste)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup feta cheese chunk cut in small cubes
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped

HOW TO MAKE ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and add olive oil over low heat.

Drop in the shallots, season with salt and pepper and cook 1-2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.

Add uncooked orzo into the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes stirring often until very lightly toasted.

Pour in the wine and cook 1-3 minutes until it is almost completely reduced then add chicken stock, fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.

Season with salt and pepper, stir well to combine then bring to a boil.

Lower to medium-low heat then cover and and simmer 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally or until the orzo is al dente.

Add the chopped spinach, sun dried tomatoes and ricotta stirring 1-2 minutes letting the spinach wilt in.

NOTE: I also added 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor (this is optional).

Fold in the cubed feta cheese and chopped dill then taste and season with salt and pepper (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt and and 1/4 teaspoon pepper).

Give it all a good stir, (optional: crumble a little feta over the top) then serve right away.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA;

This simple one pan meal is a hearty side dish. To serve as a main dish, try one of the following proteins:

Shrimp

Greek Salmon

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pan Seared Steak

SUBS AND VARIATIONS:

Orzo is really easy to customize and this recipe is no exception. Below are a few suggestions:

• Vegetable stock or chicken broth can be used instead of chicken stock.
• Instead of sun dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers.
• Dice up some rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken and blend into the orzo.
• Yellow onion can be used instead of shallots.
• Try goat cheese instead of feta cheese

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY RECIPES?

Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff

Baked Mushroom Chicken

20 Minute Italian Sausage Tortellini

Full details in the printable recipe card below. 

Enjoy!

Let’s cook together!

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