Mediterranean Orzo Skillet

Mediterranean Orzo Skillet vegetarian recipe

This Mediterranean orzo skillet is a simple, vibrant meal that comes together in one pan. It's packed with fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 400 grams orzo pasta
  • 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 100 grams fresh spinach
  • 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens.
  2. Add 3 cloves finely chopped garlic, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, and 1 medium diced yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring, until the peppers start to soften.
  3. Stir in 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add 400 grams orzo pasta, 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir everything together well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 100 grams fresh spinach until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two from the residual heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the Mediterranean orzo skillet hot. Garnish each serving with 100 grams crumbled feta cheese, 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley, 0.25 cup chopped fresh mint, and a lemon wedge for squeezing over the top.

View the interactive Mediterranean Orzo Skillet recipe