One-Pan Orzo With Spinach and Feta
Updated Aug. 12, 2025

- Total Time
- 30 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- 2tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4large scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2large garlic cloves, minced
- 8ounces baby spinach leaves (8 cups), coarsely chopped
- 1teaspoon kosher salt
- 1¾cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1cup orzo
- 1teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- ¾cup crumbled feta (3 ounces), plus more for garnish
- ½cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
- 1cup chopped fresh dill, or use parsley or cilantro
Preparation
- Step 1
Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium, then melt butter, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in about three-quarters of the scallions (saving some of the green parts for garnish) and garlic, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2
Stir in spinach, adding in batches if it doesn’t all fit in the pan at once, and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3
Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Step 4
Stir in cheese, peas (if you like) and dill, cover the pan, and cook for another 1 minute, to finish cooking and warm the peas. To serve, sprinkle with more cheese and the reserved scallions.
Private Notes
Comments
Toast the orzo in butter until light golden brown, THEN add the liquid. It brings the complexity of this dish to a whole new level.
I am adding the spinach at the end, so it doesn't become overcooked.
Made this tonight, and it was delicious, quick comfort food. I roasted zucchini while prepping the rest to augment the veg, which added a nice juiciness too. Agree with adding the spinach at the end. Highly recommend the combo of parsley and mint instead of dill. For those wanting an vegan alternative, use EVOO instead of butter, and add navy beans for protein instead of feta. A few slivered sun-dried tomatoes would replace the zing of the feta.
Made this tonight and it was so good! My husband even liked it! Very easy and quick to make! Made enough for leftovers tomorrow so total win all around!
I make this alot. It's very easy and always delicious. Parsley instead of dill.
I took tips I found here and substituted swiss chard for the spinach. Really delicious.