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Fresh Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta Recipe with Roasted Veggies and Feta

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A fresh and light orzo pasta dish featuring roasted vegetables, bright lemon-herb dressing, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for quick, healthy meals that are satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice from 2 medium lemons (about ¼ cup or 60ml)
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 120g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Chop zucchini into bite-sized pieces, slice red bell pepper into strips, halve cherry tomatoes if large, and thinly slice the red onion. Toss all veggies with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
  4. While the veggies roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained orzo with roasted vegetables. Pour the lemon herb dressing over and stir gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if mixture feels dry.
  7. Crumble feta over the top and fold in lightly, leaving some chunks visible.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness. Stir roasted veggies once halfway through cooking for even caramelization. Reserve some pasta water to loosen the mixture if needed. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat if desired. Can substitute feta with goat cheese or dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or quinoa.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta, lemon herb pasta, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, healthy pasta recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/fresh-lemon-herb-orzo-pasta-recipe-with-roasted-veggies-and-feta-perfect-for-easy-healthy-meals/