Description
Looking for a comforting, wholesome one-pot dinner that’s easy and full of Mediterranean flavor? This Mediterranean Orzo and Beans recipe is your answer. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals, healthy meal prep, or satisfying vegetarian dinners. Featuring orzo pasta, protein-rich beans, juicy tomatoes, and fresh greens, this easy recipe checks all the boxes for busy families or solo cooking. It also falls under cozy dinner ideas, quick healthy meals, and Mediterranean food ideas that won’t disappoint.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
1 cup orzo pasta
2.5 cups vegetable broth
1.5 cups mixed beans (kidney, cannellini, or butter beans), drained and rinsed
2 cups baby spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice
0.5 cup feta cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until blistered and juicy.
3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in vegetable broth and stir. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
4. Fold in the beans and baby spinach. Let simmer 2 more minutes to heat through and wilt greens.
5. Turn off heat. Add lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle a bit more olive oil if desired.
6. Top with crumbled feta and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the orzo—aim for al dente to keep it from turning mushy after mixing.
Use canned beans for convenience but rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
Add extra broth when reheating to revive the creamy consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: easy recipe, healthy dinner, vegetarian orzo, Mediterranean pasta