One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon
A bright and effortless Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tender orzo pasta with fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese, finished with a splash of lemon. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs orzo pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until edges start to turn golden.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 5 cups fresh spinach, and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Spinach and Feta Orzo with Lemon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
