Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Creamy Feta Asparagus Casserole Orzo, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds! This creamy, cheesy casserole combines the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus and rich feta cheese, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also comes together in just 40 minutes. Ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Dive into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can transform into a gourmet experience!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's hot enough to cook the casserole evenly.
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and chop it into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped asparagus, crumbled feta cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, pour the orzo mixture into the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the asparagus is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional crumbled feta cheese if desired, and enjoy your creamy feta asparagus casserole orzo!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the asparagus and measure out the ingredients in advance. This way, you can quickly assemble the casserole when you're ready to cook.
- Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Be sure to cook the orzo just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven. This will prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Cheese Variations: While feta adds a wonderful tang, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Baking Dish Choice: Using an oven-safe skillet not only makes for easy cooking but also adds a rustic touch to your presentation. If you don’t have one, any casserole dish will work just fine!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving can enhance the dish's appearance and add a fresh flavor boost. Enjoy creating this creamy, dreamy casserole that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 100mg
