ORZO WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, FETA AND MINT

Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta and Mint image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound orzo
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
2 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup crumbled feta
1 cup arugula
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus for the pasta water
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and saute until the shallots begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook just to warm through, about 1 minute.
Add the warm tomato mixture to a large bowl along with the feta, arugula, mint, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Drain the orzo and add it to the bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Toss well and serve.