Skillet Orzo and Feta Fish

Say hello to your new family favorite — Skillet Orzo and Feta Fish!

This simple Skillet Orzo and Feta Fish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for entertaining.  After some quick sautéing of shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and a lovely blend of spices, the orzo is par-cooked on the stove and then finished in the oven with your fish! Giving you just enough time to get the kitchen cleaned up, set the table, or even get a simple salad prepared to eat with your dinner. 

The flavors here are just fantastic. From the acidity of the balsamic and tomatoes. to the tanginess and creaminess the feta provides, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And while my kids have gotten used to a little bit of heat with red pepper flakes, you can easily omit this when cooking and just serve your own plate with red pepper flakes to make this even more family-friendly. 

Regardless, this dinner is that perfect balance of easy to cook, easy to clean while also feeling elevated and elegant to impress you and your whomever you may be enjoying dinner with. Whether you are making it on a busy weeknight, or while entertaining guests– you just can’t go wrong! 

For more skillet dinner ideas using feta, try these recipes! 

One-Pan Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta and Herbs 

Skillet Orzo and Feta Fish

Serves: 4

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5 from 11 votes

Total Time40 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
• ½ cup halved and thinly sliced shallot about 1 large shallot
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes 1 pint
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 ¼ cup orzo
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• Zest of ½ a lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley more for garnish
• Four 6-ounce filets of white flakey fish (I use halibut or cod)
• ½ cup feta divided

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a large oven-safe deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and balsamic. Continue to cook, stirring, until the spices are toasted and the balsamic has reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
• Add the orzo to your skillet and stir until well combined. Add the broth, lemon zest and juice, 1 tablespoon of the oregano, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and cook stirring until the pasta just begins to absorb some of the liquid, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add ¼ cup of feta, stir once more to combine.
• Nestle the fish into the orzo. Drizzle each fillet with 1 teaspoon olive oil then season the filets with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Divide the remaining 1 tablespoon of oregano over the fillets.
• Place onto the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup feta. Place back into the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the pasta is tender.
• Remove from oven and gently fluff the orzo with a fork. Top with additional parsley and serve.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.