Warm Tomato and Feta Greek Orzo Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

When the week winds down and the fridge looks sparse, it’s tempting to reach for takeout or settle for something uninspired. This warm tomato and feta Greek orzo pasta is a perfect solution. It transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting, flavourful, one pot meal that feels fresh and satisfying. With just a few ingredients like orzo, tinned tomatoes, feta, and olives, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but actually comes together in under 30 minutes. These ingredients come together to create a dish that balances the sweetness of tomatoes with the salty tang of feta and the briny punch of olives.

Why This Warm Tomato and Feta Greek Orzo Pasta Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

This warm tomato and feta Greek orzo pasta is ideal for quick weeknight dinners because it uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand and requires minimal prep time. The orzo cooks quickly compared to traditional pasta shapes, and the one-pan method means fewer dishes to wash afterward. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and savoury olives creates a balanced meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Tips to Customize Your Orzo Pasta

• Add protein: toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the dish more filling.

• Use different herbs: Swap coriander or basil for parsley or oregano depending on your preference.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the garlic and tomato paste for a little heat.

• Go vegan: Replace feta with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

• Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

• Add protein: this is such a lovely vegetarian option, but could easily be adapted to add by tossing in cooked chicken, or shrimp.

  
  

Storing and Reheating

This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen it up.

Warm Tomato and Feta Greek Orzo Pasta - The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 red onion, finely diced

• 1 rib of celery, finely diced

• 1 medium carrot, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 glass of white wine

• 1 litre vegetable stock

• 1 400g tin of chopped tomatoes

• Small bunch of fresh coriander or basil, roughly chopped

• 150 grams of feta cheese (from a 200g block, reserve the rest for garnish)

• Handful of mixed olives

  
  

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the warm tomato and feta Greek orzo pasta:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Optionally, add a pinch of salt to help soften the vegetables. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavors.

4. Pour in the white wine and let it bubble and reduce slightly. This adds depth and acidity to the dish.

5. Add the orzo and tinned tomatoes to the pan and stir well.

6. Pour over the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid has reduced.

7. Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

8. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the feta cheese and chopped herbs. Let the cheese melt gently into the pasta.

9. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

10. Serve topped with the reserved feta and olives. For an extra burst of flavour, add roasted cherry tomatoes on the side.