Description
A bright and comforting one pot orzo pasta with greens, fresh herbs, lemon and feta. Tender orzo simmers in vegetable broth, then gets folded with wilted spinach, fragrant dill and parsley, and creamy crumbled feta for a fresh, Mediterranean inspired meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta (about 200 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth (about 480 milliliters)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed (about 90 grams)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (about 150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm for about 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook to Perfection: Let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta. Mix gently so the feta softens slightly while still holding its shape.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into bowls and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Stir the orzo frequently while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Add the feta off the heat to keep its creamy, crumbly texture.
- If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg