Orzo has earned a coveted spot in my recipe repertoire, and I’m not alone. This small yet mighty pasta has a way of elevating dishes, making it a pantry staple worth exploring. For the uninitiated, orzo hails from the pastina category, a family of tiny pasta shapes often used to add texture and depth to soups.
While orzo is indeed a natural fit for soups, its chewy and tender nature also makes it an excellent addition to a range of recipes.
From vibrant pasta salads to comforting casseroles and hearty chicken soups, the possibilities are endless.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of delectable orzo dishes? Look no further! This recipe guide is your ticket to a culinary journey, featuring a curated collection of must-try orzo ideas that span the gamut from savory and satisfying to creamy and indulgent, and even sweet treats.
One-pot orzo with shrimp and feta
Indulge in the simplicity of cooking with orzo by preparing this delectable one-pot dish featuring succulent shrimp, crumbly feta cheese, and a hint of brightness from lemon wedges. The harmonious union of these ingredients, elevated by Old Bay Seasoning’s depth of flavor, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience perfect for special occasions.
Garlic parmesan orzo
One of the most satisfying orzo recipes is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the Mediterranean staple with spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This side dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. What sets it apart from other orzo recipes is the use of chicken broth instead of water for added depth of flavor. For an extra rich and creamy finish, simply add a splash of cream towards the end of cooking time.
Greek orzo with lemon and herbs
Discover a delicious Greek-inspired side dish that’s sure to please! This simple orzo recipe uses common ingredients you likely have on hand, making it an ideal addition to your next meal. Whether served hot or cold, this flavorful dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, including fish, chicken, steak, and lamb. Try it out and enjoy!
Creamy mushroom orzo
Indulge in the rich flavors of this mushroom orzo dish, where simplicity meets sophistication. This creamy, comforting side is elevated by the harmonious combination of orzo, sautéed mushrooms, peas, and parmesan sauce. With its velvety texture and elegant presentation, it’s a perfect accompaniment to pair with your favorite protein – think chicken breasts, garlic shrimp, pork tenderloin, or baked salmon – to create a satisfying and filling meal.
Cheesy chicken orzo
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this mouth-watering chicken orzo dish, perfect for satisfying even the pickiest of eaters. The recipe combines seared chicken breast with flavorful orzo pasta smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, making it an ideal option for a quick and easy family meal. To add some extra nutrition and texture, simply toss in some baby kale and pre-cooked broccoli florets, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part?
This recipe is remarkably simple to prepare, allowing you to focus on what really matters – sharing it with your loved ones.
Lemon garlic orzo with roasted vegetables
This vibrant lemon garlic orzo dish boasts a delightful medley of textures and understated flavors courtesy of an assortment of fresh vegetables, including sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts, all perfectly balanced by a symphony of spices. The best part? Preparing this delectable concoction is surprisingly effortless!
Simply toss the veggies in the oven to roast, cook the orzo al dente, whip up a zesty dressing, and then combine everything for a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Here’s the recipe:
Rice pilaf
Elevate your rice pilaf game with a dish that’s perfect for both holiday meals and weeknight dinners. The key to its incredible flavor? Sauteing ingredients in butter and seasoned chicken broth, which infuses the dish with rich, savory notes. To take it to the next level, incorporate shredded chicken, your favorite vegetables, salt and pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for added depth and heat (or omit the cayenne if you prefer milder flavors).
With this recipe, you’ll be treated to a satisfyingly fluffy and creamy pilaf that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Get the full recipe here.
Mediterranean orzo salad
This vibrant Mediterranean orzo salad boasts a medley of flavors and textures, brought together by the perfect harmony of orzo, crumbly feta cheese, sweet red onions, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, salty kalamata olives, pungent dried oregano, tangy red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The combination is nothing short of extraordinary.
This salad’s versatility knows no bounds, as it can be served alongside an array of dishes, from creamy tzatziki to succulent pork chops, chicken-based delights, and even seafood-entwined masterpieces.
Lemon chicken orzo soup
Kick the cold weather blues with a bowl of our delicious and warming lemon chicken orzo soup! This comforting dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps.
First, sauté your favorite vegetables in a pot until they’re tender. Next, whisk together flour, broth, seasonings, and chicken for a rich and savory base. Let it simmer for up to 15 minutes before adding the star of the show: orzo pasta.
Finally, finish with a sprinkle of parsley, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Ready to cozy up with a warm bowl? Get the full recipe here!
Caprese orzo salad
This refreshing summer pasta salad is built around an orzo base, showcasing a medley of vibrant flavors and textures. Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil come together in perfect harmony, elevated by the tangy zing of a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Feel free to personalize this dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables, allowing their natural sweetness and crunch to add depth to each bite.
Roasted corn orzo pasta salad
This roasted corn orzo pasta salad is a must-try alternative to traditional pasta salads that typically rely on elbow or rotini macaroni. The dish is replete with the flavors of roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and a tangy lemon sauce – all without a hint of mayonnaise. This recipe offers a refreshing twist on the classic, making it an ideal choice for barbecues, parties, gatherings with friends and family.
Butternut squash orzo
This rich and creamy butternut squash orzo dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, despite its bold flavors. Feel free to elevate it into a satisfying dinner by adding your choice of protein – whether that’s spinach-packed rotisserie chicken, savory sausage, meatballs, or even roasted vegetables. What truly brings this recipe together, however, are the essential components: the pungency of garlic, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the tanginess of crumbly feta cheese.
These harmonious flavors not only balance out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash but also create a delightful complexity that will leave you craving more. Get the recipe here.
One-pot chicken and orzo
Transform your mealtime with a one-pot wonder that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike. This easy-to-make chicken and orzo recipe requires minimal culinary expertise, making it perfect for busy families on-the-go. The key to its success lies in the straightforward preparation process: simply cook the chicken and orzo until browned, then combine with sautéed onions and garlic, followed by the addition of stock, tomatoes, and a wait for everything to come together.
With each spoonful, you’ll be rewarded with a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
One-pan Italian sausage and orzo pasta
Savory and satisfying, this Italian sausage and orzo pasta dish is a weeknight winner! With its combination of flavorful Italian sausage, nutty orzo pasta, crunchy vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, every forkful is sure to keep you feeling full and content. And the best part? You can easily whip it up at home, no need to venture out to an Italian restaurant.
Corn and zucchini orzo salad with goat cheese
Elevate your pasta salad game with the perfect combination of sweet grilled corn, zucchini, and creamy lime dressing! This mouth-watering dish will transport you to a summer paradise, where fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and crumbled goat cheese brings a tangy, earthy depth. With this simple yet impressive recipe, you’ll be the star of any gathering.
Sausage and orzo stuffed sweet peppers
Imagine a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures, as savory sausage, sweet corn kernels, and aromatic sage leaves harmonize within the tender crevices of colorful sweet peppers. The addition of pungent garlic, tangy lemon juice, and caramelized yellow onion creates an irresistible culinary experience. This show-stopping dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply seeking a satisfying meal, this recipe has got you covered.
Sweet potato and orzo tikka masala
The star of this sweet potato and orzo dish is the rich and aromatic tikka masala sauce, crafted from a harmonious blend of coconut milk, tomato sauce, lemon juice, tomato paste, and an array of eight distinct herbs and spices. To add a pop of freshness, garnish with fragrant cilantro leaves and serve it alongside your preferred choice of flatbread, rye bread, or crusty loaf.
Italian orzo salad
Elevate this Italian-inspired pasta salad by infusing it with rich flavors! Start by cooking your orzo in chicken broth for an added depth of taste. Take it up a notch by incorporating diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded chicken to transform it into a satisfying meal. For the full recipe and instructions on how to customize this dish to your liking, simply click here.
Orzo pasta fruit salad
While orzo pasta may be a common ingredient in savory dishes, its creamy texture can also lend itself well to sweet treats. The idea of turning orzo pasta into a fruit salad might seem unconventional at first, but this unique dessert is surprisingly effective. To make it, you’ll need a combination of ingredients, including mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, white sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, and whipped topping.
The key to achieving the right consistency is allowing the mixture to chill in the fridge overnight, which allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set. For the full recipe, you can find it [here].
The bottom line
While orzo pasta may not always be at the forefront of culinary conversations, it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that deserves a permanent spot in every kitchen. Its unique texture and mild flavor make it an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes, making it an underrated pantry staple that’s worth keeping on hand.
