Best Orzo With Tomatoes Basil And Feta Cheese Recipes

ORZO PASTA WITH TOMATOES, BASIL AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo and cook according to the package directions - usually 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining the cooked orzo, reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water (we use this to make the sauce).
• Add olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to a large, deep skillet. Turn to medium heat. When the oil bubbles around the garlic, add the cooked orzo pasta, tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese.
• Pour in two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and cook, stirring often, for one minute. Over the minute, the sauce should begin to coat the pasta. If it seems dry, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water and cook a few more seconds. Taste for seasoning and adjust with a bit of salt if needed.
• Serve with extra basil, parmesan, and fresh ground black pepper on top.

ORZO WITH FETA AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Heat water in large sauce pot to boil and add pasta, cook to al dente.
• Melt butter in the pot while still hot and combine with feta. Add cooked pasta to feta butter and toss with parsley and tomatoes, season with a little pepper.

ORZO WITH TOMATOES, BASIL, AND GORGONZOLA

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the orzo pasta; cook and stir until the orzo has lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the onion, and cook until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add 1 clove of garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cover; simmer until the orzo is tender yet still a little firm to the bite, 12 to 14 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, 1/2 of the fresh basil, garlic, and remaining olive oil.
• Spoon the cooked orzo into a serving bowl. Top with tomato mixture, and sprinkle with Gorgonzola and remaining basil.

TOMATO AND BASIL ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rinse and core tomatoes; chop and place in a large bowl. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar; mix gently.
• Drain pasta well and add to tomato mixture. Mix, adding parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

ORZO WITH FETA AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Fill a 4-quart pasta pot three fourths full with salted water and bring to a boil for orzo.
• In a small heavy skillet heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and sauté pine nuts with salt to taste, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to paper towels to drain and cool.
• Mince garlic and chop parsley. Quarter tomatoes and coarsely crumble feta. In a large bowl whisk together garlic, parsley, vinegar, remaining tablespoon oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Add tomatoes and feta and gently toss to combine.
• Cook orzo in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. In a large sieve drain orzo and rinse slightly until just warm. Drain orzo well and add to tomato mixture, tossing until just combined.
• Serve orzo topped with nuts.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO BASIL ORZO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Place basil leaves and sun-dried tomatoes in a food processor. Pulse 4 or 5 times until blended.
• In a large bowl, toss together the orzo, basil-tomato mixture, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.

ORZO AND TOMATO SALAD WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain, and rinse with cold water.
• When orzo is cool, transfer to a medium bowl and mix in olives, feta cheese, parsley, dill, and tomato. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and lemon juice. Pour over pasta, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.

ORZO WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• I like whole sundried tomatoes that are NOT packed in olive oil.
• To"plump" the tomatoes, bring 1/4- 1/2 cup water to a boil, add tomatoes, and let steep for about 10 minutes.
• Drain any excess water, and chop tomatoes into bite size pieces.
• Cook orzo according to package directions, drain, and toss in a large bowl with a drizzle of extra virgin oilve oil, garlic and oregano.
• Let orzo cool for a bit before adding other ingredients.
• Next add sundried tomatoes, black olives, roasted red peppers, salt, pepper and feta cheese.
• Combine well.
• Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve at room temperature.