5 Delicious Orzo Pasta Recipes You Must Try

Orzo pasta, with its unique shape and versatile nature, opens a world of culinary possibilities. Often mistaken for rice, this small, grain-like pasta soaks up flavors wonderfully, making it a perfect base for various dishes. Whether you're looking to explore Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures, or hearty meals, orzo can be the star of your next culinary adventure. Here are five delicious orzo pasta recipes you must try, offering a mix of comfort, elegance, and simplicity in every bite.

Orzo with Lemon, Feta, and Peas

Begin your orzo journey with a light, flavorful dish that sings with freshness. This recipe combines the zesty punch of lemon with the tangy sharpness of feta cheese, alongside sweet peas, for a vibrant meal that can brighten any table.

• Cook Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid, and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the lemon zest and juice to the pan, followed by the orzo. Mix well to combine.
  4. Stir in the peas, allowing them to heat through, and then add the feta cheese. Toss until the feta begins to melt slightly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

🔍 Note: For a more indulgent twist, add a handful of pine nuts for some crunch.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This Mediterranean salad showcases orzo’s ability to absorb and complement a multitude of flavors. With olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, it’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₄ cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • ¹⁄₄ cup diced cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley and basil, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Cook orzo according to package directions, then drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine orzo with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and onion.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the orzo salad, toss to combine. Add feta and herbs, mix gently.
  5. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Creamy Mushroom and Parmesan Orzo

Experience comfort food at its finest with this creamy orzo dish featuring earthy mushrooms and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s the ultimate in cozy, indulgent meals.

• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms, cooking until they release their moisture and become golden.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. If using wine, add it now and let it cook off.
  3. Stir in the orzo, coating it with the flavors from the skillet. Pour in the broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until orzo is tender.
  4. Add the cream or milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with herbs.

Hearty Orzo with Sausage and Spinach

When you need a filling meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this orzo recipe with sausage and spinach is your go-to. It’s both comforting and nutritious, perfect for a cold evening.

• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ¹⁄₂ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
  • 3 cups spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart, until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add olive oil to the skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. If using, add fennel seeds.
  3. Pour in the orzo, toasting it slightly in the pan with the aromatics.
  4. Return the sausage to the pan, add chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in the spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Vegan Lemon Orzo with Roasted Tomatoes

Finish your orzo exploration with a vegan-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor. The sweet, caramelized notes of roasted tomatoes complement the tart lemon and the orzo perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of ¹⁄₂ lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • ¹⁄₄ cup basil, chiffonade
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pine nuts for garnish (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until they’re blistered and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook orzo according to package instructions, then drain.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, garlic, remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked orzo and mix well.
  4. Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve garnished with pine nuts, if desired.

🌿 Note: Pine nuts add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with almonds or leave them out for a nut-free option.

As we've delved into the world of orzo pasta, it's clear that its small size belies a vast potential for culinary creativity. From the fresh, vibrant notes of a lemon and feta dish to the hearty comfort of a sausage and spinach medley, orzo's versatility shines through. Whether you're embracing a Mediterranean flair, seeking comfort food, or exploring vegan options, these recipes offer something for every palate. Orzo can indeed be the humble grain that transforms into something extraordinary, making it a must-try ingredient for any home cook eager to expand their culinary horizons.

What is orzo pasta?

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Orzo pasta, also known as risoni, is a type of short-cut pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s commonly used in soups, salads, and as a side dish, absorbing flavors well due to its small size.

Can I use orzo pasta for soup?

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Yes, orzo is excellent in soup! Its small size and ability to absorb flavors make it a perfect addition to broths and minestrone. Just make sure to add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.

What are some gluten-free alternatives to orzo?

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There are gluten-free orzo alternatives made from ingredients like rice, corn, and quinoa. These can mimic the texture and function of traditional orzo in many recipes, providing a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.