Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes and Orzo Pasta

A simple and flavorful Mediterranean dinner with creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta. Can be made vegetarian or easily adapted to include grilled chicken or shrimp.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

550 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

4 items

Cost

£2.01/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Dinner

Cuisine:

Italian•Mediterranean

Main Ingredient:

Chicken•Seafood•Shellfish•Vegetarian•Pasta

Cooking Style:

Quick & Easy•Baking•Grilling

Occasion:

Weeknight Dinner

Mood:

Comfort Food•Light & Fresh

Ingredients

Servings

8ozFeta Cheese Block(Use a block of feta in brine, not crumbled feta.)

£3.00

2pintCherry Tomatoes(Halved)

£2.50

1cupOrzo Pasta(Uncooked)

£0.60

0.3cupOlive Oil(Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

£0.40

4clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.20

1tspDried Oregano

£0.10

1tspDried Basil

£0.10

0.3tspRed Pepper Flakes(Optional, for a little heat)

£0.05

0.3tspSalt(To taste, go easy as feta is salty)

£0.01

0.3tspBlack Pepper(Freshly ground)

£0.02

0.5Lemon(Juice of half a lemon)

£0.30

0.3cupFresh Basil(Chopped, for garnish)

£0.75

2cupsWater(For cooking orzo)

Total Cost

£8.03

£2.01 per serving

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.
In a large baking dish, place the feta block in the center.
3.
Surround the feta with halved cherry tomatoes.
4.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
5.
Pour the olive oil mixture over the tomatoes and feta.
6.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the feta is slightly melted and golden around the edges.
7.
While the feta is baking, cook the orzo pasta. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain.
8.
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the cooked orzo pasta to the baking dish with the feta and tomatoes. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the orzo is coated in the sauce.
9.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish.
10.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
11.
Serve immediately.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (250g)

550 kcal / 2301 kJ

Carbs

40g

15% of RDA

Fat

35g

50% of RDA

Protein

20g

40% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

3 g

10% of RDA

Sugar

10 g

11% of RDA

Sodium

700 mg

30% of RDA

Saturated Fat

18 g

90% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Add a splash of white wine to the baking dish for extra flavor.

For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Stove

Baking Dish (approx. 9x13 inch)

Large Pot

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Starter

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Lemon Zest and Honey

Creamy, light whipped ricotta spread on crispy crostini, drizzled with honey and a hint of lemon. A perfect appetizer to whet the appetite.

30 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"The creamy, light whipped ricotta on crispy crostini offers a delightful contrast to the baked feta and orzo. The lemon zest and honey introduce a subtle sweetness and acidity that brightens the palate, preparing it for the richer flavors of the main course while staying true to the Mediterranean theme."

Dessert

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Pistachios and Orange Blossom Water

A light and refreshing twist on classic Panna Cotta, using Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy dessert, infused with delicate orange blossom aroma and topped with crunchy pistachios.

20 minutes + 4 hours chilling

4 servings

Easy

"This dessert is light, refreshing, and perfectly aligns with the Mediterranean style of the main course. The tanginess of the Greek yogurt balances the richness of the feta, while the pistachios provide a pleasant textural contrast. The orange blossom water adds a delicate floral aroma that complements the basil and lemon notes from the main dish, creating a cohesive and satisfying finish."