10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes Orzo: Delicious Meals for Any Night of the Week

Orzo is a versatile pasta that can be the star of your healthy dinner. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a great option for creating nutritious meals. With the right recipes, you can enjoy delicious dishes that are not only good for you but also quick to prepare.

Incorporating orzo into your dinner routine can bring new flavors and textures to your table. Whether you want something light or a bit heartier, there are plenty of healthy orzo recipes to suit your taste. You’ll discover that cooking with orzo is easy, allowing you to craft meals that are satisfying and good for your body.

Lemon Herb Orzo with Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Orzo with Grilled Chicken is a bright and tasty meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll enjoy the combination of tender chicken and flavorful orzo.

To start, marinate the chicken in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. This adds delicious flavor. Grill the chicken until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra taste. Once cooked, stir in fresh herbs like parsley or basil, along with a bit of lemon zest.

Serve the grilled chicken over the orzo. Drizzle with a little more lemon juice before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts
• 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Grill chicken over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) for 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Cook orzo in vegetable broth according to package directions.
4. Stir in herbs and lemon zest into the cooked orzo.
5. Serve grilled chicken over lemon herb orzo.

2) Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta is a refreshing dish perfect for any meal. It combines orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese for great flavor.

Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta firm and fresh.

Next, mix in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Crumble feta cheese over the top for added taste. You can also add olives or bell peppers for more color and flavor.

Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar to tie everything together. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients. You can let it chill in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavors blend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine orzo, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
5. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

3) Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo is a delightful dish that’s easy to make. You combine juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta for a satisfying meal. The garlic adds a great flavor to the dish.

To start, you will sauté garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Don’t forget to toss in fresh spinach until it wilts.

The orzo cooks quickly and can absorb all those delicious flavors. You can use chicken broth instead of water for extra taste. This meal is perfect for a weeknight because it comes together in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package instructions.
6. Combine orzo with shrimp mixture, season, and enjoy!

4) Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Asparagus

This Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Asparagus is a quick and tasty dish that you can enjoy for dinner. It combines tender orzo pasta with fresh asparagus and a creamy cheese sauce.

Start by cooking the orzo in boiling water until it’s tender. You can cook asparagus in the same pot to save time. Just add it a few minutes after the orzo begins cooking.

Once everything is cooked, mix in Parmesan cheese and some cream for that rich flavor. You can season with salt and pepper to fit your taste.

This meal is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a perfect choice for any night of the week!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup asparagus (chopped)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add orzo and cook for 10 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes, add asparagus.
4. Drain and return to pot.
5. Stir in Parmesan and cream.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5) Orzo Stuffed Bell Peppers

Orzo stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and healthy dinner option. You can customize the filling to your liking, making them suitable for everyone at the table.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the orzo pasta in salted boiling water for 7-9 minutes until al dente. While that cooks, prepare your bell peppers by cutting them in half and removing the seeds.

Next, mix the cooked orzo with your choice of protein, vegetables, and spices. Stuff each bell pepper half with the orzo mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and add tomato sauce to the bottom for extra flavor.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cooked meat or beans
• 1-2 cups vegetables (like spinach or zucchini)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook orzo in salted boiling water for 7-9 minutes.
3. Cut and prepare bell peppers.
4. Mix cooked orzo with meat and veggies.
5. Stuff bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
6. Add tomato sauce to the dish.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake until melted.

6) Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto orzo with cherry tomatoes is a quick and tasty dish. It combines orzo pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and delicious basil pesto. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and satisfying.

You only need a few ingredients to make this dish. Start by cooking the orzo until it’s tender. Meanwhile, slice the cherry tomatoes and mix them with the pesto.

When the orzo is ready, drain it and stir in the pesto and tomatoes. The warmth of the pasta helps the flavors blend nicely. You might also want to add some fresh basil or cheese to enhance the taste.

This recipe is light yet filling. You can serve it warm or let it cool for a simple summer salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook orzo according to package instructions.
2. Drain the orzo and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and pesto.
4. Mix well and serve warm or chilled.

7) Orzo and Kale Soup

Orzo and Kale Soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner. The combination of orzo pasta and fresh kale makes it nutritious and satisfying. You can enjoy it on a cool evening or whenever you crave something cozy.

To start, sauté some onions and garlic in olive oil for extra flavor. Then, add vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the orzo and let it cook until tender.

After about five minutes, add the kale. It wilts down nicely and adds great color. You can also mix in cooked chicken for added protein.

Season your soup with salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Cooked chicken

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add orzo and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped kale and season as desired.

8) Roasted Vegetable Orzo Bake

Roasted Vegetable Orzo Bake is a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. You can use a variety of vegetables to add flavor and nutrition. This dish is warm and comforting, perfect for any night of the week.

Start by roasting your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet.

Next, cook the orzo according to package instructions.

Mix the cooked orzo with the roasted vegetables in a large baking dish. Add your choice of cheese on top for a flavorful finish.

Bake in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. This meal is sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
5. Mix the roasted vegetables with cooked orzo in a baking dish.
6. Top with cheese.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

9) Lemon Dill Salmon with Orzo

Lemon Dill Salmon with Orzo is a bright and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. The combination of fresh salmon, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill makes this meal satisfying.

Start by cooking orzo pasta until it’s al dente. Add some asparagus for color and nutrition.

Once the pasta is ready, mix in fresh dill for a burst of flavor.

Nestle salmon fillets into the orzo mixture. Bake it in the oven until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This method keeps the salmon moist and enhances the dish’s flavors.

Serve it warm for a delightful dinner that is both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced and zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
3. In a baking dish, mix the orzo with asparagus and dill.
4. Place salmon fillets on top and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until salmon is cooked through. Enjoy!

10) Orzo with Roasted Garlic and Mushrooms

Orzo with roasted garlic and mushrooms is a delicious and healthy dinner option. This dish combines the nutty flavor of orzo with the earthy taste of mushrooms and the richness of roasted garlic.

Start by roasting your garlic until it becomes soft and sweet.

Sauté fresh mushrooms in a pan with olive oil until they’re golden brown.

Add the cooked orzo to the pan and mix everything together. The roasted garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast the garlic for 30-35 minutes until soft.
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
5. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until golden.
6. Remove garlic from oven and squeeze out the cloves.
7. Mix orzo, mushrooms, and roasted garlic together.
8. Season and enjoy!