Mediterranean Baked Feta Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

Ingredients

• 8 oz feta cheese block
• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• to taste salt and pepper

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large oven-safe baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.
3. 03
   Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives around the feta.
4. 04
   Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and vegetables. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
5. 05
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything lightly to combine, keeping the feta in the center.
6. 06
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are roasted and the feta is soft.
7. 07
   Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. 08
   Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the cooked orzo. Stir everything together until the feta is creamy and coats the orzo.
9. 09
   Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped basil. Stir to combine.
10. 10
    Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.