Creamy Pea Orzo with Feta (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
There are some recipes that taste like they took hours to make, but secretly come together with just a handful of simple ingredients. This creamy pea orzo is exactly that. Roasting the peas brings out their natural sweetness, while avocado blends into the silkiest green sauce—no heavy cream required. Tossed with tender orzo, fresh parsley, and salty crumbled feta, every bite is creamy, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 10-ounce bag frozen peas
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1¾ cups dry orzo
- 8 cups water and broth I like using half water and half broth for the best flavor
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- More milk broth, cream, or reserved pasta water as needed
- Handful of fresh parsley chopped
- ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Spread the frozen peas onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with sea salt and black pepper, and roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of liquid (I recommend 4 cups broth and 4 cups water) to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo and cook according to the package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Before draining, reserve ½–1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Add half of the roasted peas to a food processor along with the avocado, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, onion powder, milk, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk, broth, cream, or reserved pasta water until the sauce is silky and pourable.
- Return the drained orzo to the pot. Pour in the creamy pea sauce and stir until every piece of orzo is coated.
- Fold in the remaining roasted peas, chopped parsley, and feta.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the orzo thickens before serving, stir in another splash of milk, broth, or reserved pasta water until creamy.
Notes
Approximate Macros (Per Serving, Makes 6)
Calories: ~430
Protein: ~11 g
Carbohydrates: ~49 g
Fat: ~22 g
Fiber: ~8 g Macros are estimates and will vary based on the specific brands of feta, milk, and broth used.
Calories: ~430
Protein: ~11 g
Carbohydrates: ~49 g
Fat: ~22 g
Fiber: ~8 g Macros are estimates and will vary based on the specific brands of feta, milk, and broth used.