There’s something about a one-pan meal that makes life easier. No juggling multiple pots, no extra dishes to wash—just simple, delicious food with minimal cleanup. That’s exactly why this One Pan Orzo with Spinach and Feta has become a favorite in my kitchen.

The first time I made this dish, I wanted something quick and satisfying but not too heavy. I had a box of orzo, some fresh spinach, and feta in the fridge, and I figured—why not put them together? A little garlic, and some broth to cook the pasta right in the pan, and within minutes, I had a creamy, flavorful dish that felt comforting but still light.

Now, I do this all the time. It works as a main dish for a meatless meal or as a side to grilled chicken or salmon. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

Servings	Total
4	25mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I’ve always loved orzo because it’s a little different from regular pasta. It’s small, cooks quickly, and soaks up flavors beautifully. I first tried a version of this dish at a Greek restaurant, where they served orzo with spinach, feta, and lemon.

When I got home, I wanted to recreate it but keep it simple—just one pan, no extra steps. I played around with a few different seasonings and found that cooking the orzo directly in the broth made it extra creamy and flavorful. After a few tweaks, I landed on this version, and now it’s a regular in my meal rotation.

Why Orzo with Spinach and Feta?

There are so many reasons to love this dish! Here’s why it’s one of my go-to meals:

One Pan, Less Cleanup: Everything cooks in the same pan, which means fewer dishes.
Creamy Without Heavy Cream: The starch from the orzo creates a rich texture without needing a lot of dairy.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and feta makes every bite delicious.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a satisfying meatless option, but you can also add protein if desired.

One Pan Orzo with Spinach and Feta Recipe

What Is Orzo with Spinach and Feta Made Of?

This dish is made with simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully:

Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the flavors of the broth.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a light freshness.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy—perfect for adding depth of flavor.
Garlic and Onion: Creates a flavorful base.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Cooks the orzo and adds richness.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Brightens the dish and balances the saltiness of the feta.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich, Mediterranean touch.

What to Have with Orzo with Spinach and Feta

This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some great pairings:

Grilled Chicken or Salmon: The light, fresh flavors of this dish complement grilled proteins beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers.
Greek Salad: A side of cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta makes a perfect match.
Crusty Bread: Because scooping up the creamy orzo with some warm bread is always a good idea.

Is Orzo with Spinach and Feta Healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors. To make it even healthier, you can:

Use whole wheat orzo for more fiber.
Reduce the amount of feta for less sodium.
Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more nutrients.

Kitchen Equipment

You won’t need much for this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet or Dutch oven (for a true one-pan meal)
Cutting board and knife (for chopping ingredients)
Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Orzo:

1 tbsp olive oil
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Add-Ins:

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp dried oregano (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to lightly toast the orzo.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the broth, stirring to combine.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Spinach and Feta

Stir in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add the feta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy as a main dish or a side.

Tips

Toast the Orzo First: This adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
Make It Creamier: Add a splash of milk or a little extra feta for extra richness.
Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for more protein.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat it with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

Can I use a different cheese?
Goat cheese or Parmesan would work, but feta gives it the best Mediterranean flavor.

What if I don’t have orzo?
You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a similar effect.

Conclusion

One Pan Orzo with Spinach and Feta is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, all in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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