5 Delicious Orzo Pasta Recipes You'll Love

If you're a fan of pasta, then you've likely come across orzo, a delightful small rice-shaped pasta that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but its unique shape makes it perfect for a wide variety of dishes, from soups to salads and beyond. Here, we explore five delicious orzo pasta recipes that you'll fall in love with. Each one is crafted to bring out the best in orzo, showcasing its ability to absorb flavors and provide a satisfying texture.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This heartwarming soup combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the comforting richness of chicken broth, making it perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Fresh dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts, cooking for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken, shred, and return to the pot. Add orzo, cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the lemon zest, juice, and dill. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A vibrant dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, this salad brings together the flavors of the Mediterranean with fresh ingredients that keep well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep.

• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¹⁄₄ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta, and parsley.
3. Add the cooled orzo, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and toss gently to combine. Season to taste.

Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A rich, creamy side dish that’s perfect with grilled or roasted meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian option, this recipe uses sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor that complements the creamy texture of the orzo.

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions, drain but keep some pasta water.
2. In the same pot, heat a bit of olive oil, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add spinach until wilted.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then add cream, cooking until it thickens.
4. Return the orzo to the pot, add Parmesan, and mix. If too thick, thin with pasta water. Season to taste.

✨ Note: Sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty, so taste before adding additional salt.

Baked Orzo with Shrimp and Feta

Seafood lovers will adore this one-pan wonder where the orzo bakes right in the oven with succulent shrimp and tangy feta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups orzo
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). In a baking dish, mix orzo, tomatoes, broth, oregano, and olive oil.
2. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove from oven, stir in shrimp, top with feta, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until shrimp are pink and orzo is tender.

Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms

An indulgent side dish or light main, this recipe marries the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the richness of garlic butter to create a deeply satisfying meal component.

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup white wine (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add mushrooms, and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze with wine if using, or continue with broth.
4. Stir in cream, then add cooked orzo. Mix well, adjust with additional butter or broth for desired consistency. Season and serve with Parmesan.

✨ Note: If not using wine, a splash of broth can enhance flavors without alcohol.

All these recipes demonstrate the incredible adaptability of orzo, making it an essential addition to your pantry. Whether you're aiming for comfort food with a twist or looking to impress with sophisticated flavors, orzo has you covered. From the zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup to the luxurious Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms, each recipe provides a delightful experience, showcasing the versatility and comforting qualities of this small, but mighty pasta.

What is orzo pasta?

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Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that’s commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. It’s versatile and can be used in soups, salads, and side dishes, providing a unique texture and flavor absorption.

Can I use orzo in risotto?

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While orzo can absorb flavors similarly to risotto rice, it doesn’t have the same starchy properties. However, you can cook orzo similarly to risotto by adding broth gradually for a creamy result.

Is orzo pasta gluten-free?

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No, traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free versions available made from alternative flours like rice, corn, or quinoa.