Orzo with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, is tossed with cherry tomatoes, Italian parsley and feta cheese in a garlic-red wine vinaigrette and garnished with toasted pine nuts.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta; about 1 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
1 small garlic clove
1/2 cup packed Italian (flat-leafed) parsley leaves
6 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 1/2 pint)
1/4 pound feta cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

Cooking Directions:

1. Fill a 4-quart pasta pot three fourths full with water and bring to a boil for orzo.
2. In a small heavy skillet heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium heat until hot and sauté pine nuts with salt to taste, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to paper towels to drain and cool.
3. Mince garlic and chop parsley. Quarter tomatoes and coarsely crumble feta.
4. In a large bowl whisk together garlic, parsley, vinegar, remaining tablespoon oil, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Add tomatoes and feta and gently toss to combine.
5. Salt boiling water just before adding orzo; cook orzo, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
6. In a large sieve drain orzo and rinse slightly until just warm. Drain orzo well and add to tomato mixture, tossing until just combined.
7. Serve topped with pine nuts.

Makes 2 main-dish servings.