15+ Orzo Recipes for Delicious Meals You’ll Love

Orzo is a versatile pasta that can add a unique touch to many meals. You can use it in salads, soups, or as a side dish, making it a great ingredient for any kitchen. Its small, rice-like shape allows it to absorb flavors well, making every dish delightful.

With orzo, there are endless possibilities for tasty recipes. Whether you want something quick for dinner or a dish to impress your guests, orzo can be the perfect choice. You’ll find that cooking with orzo opens up a world of delicious options.

1) Creamy Tuscan Orzo

Creamy Tuscan orzo is a delightful and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or as a tasty side. This recipe combines orzo pasta with creamy sauce, making it rich and satisfying.

The added flavors from ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make this dish even better. Plus, this dish comes together in one pot, which makes cleanup easy. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer.
4. Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

2) Parmesan Garlic Orzo Delight

Parmesan Garlic Orzo is a simple and creamy dish that brings great flavor to your table. It’s perfect as a side or a main dish. You will love how quick and easy it is to prepare, using just a few ingredients.

To make this dish, start by cooking orzo pasta until tender. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then, mix in the cooked orzo along with milk and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy.

You can add chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It only takes about 15 minutes to make this delightful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked orzo.
5. Mix in milk and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

3) Lemon Orzo with Peas Delight

Lemon Orzo with Peas is a light and refreshing dish. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh peas make it perfect for any meal. It’s also quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a delicious dish in no time.

Start by cooking orzo pasta until it’s tender. Toss it with peas, lemon juice, and Parmesan for extra flavor. A touch of olive oil keeps everything moist and tasty.

This dish is versatile. You can serve it warm or cold, making it a great option for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
2. In the last 2 minutes, add the peas to the pot.
3. Drain the pasta and peas.
4. In a bowl, mix the orzo, peas, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.

4) One-Pot Spinach Parmesan Orzo

This One-Pot Spinach Parmesan Orzo is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can cook everything in one pot, making clean-up easy.

Start by cooking the orzo in a pot with vegetable broth. When the orzo is almost done, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Add grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Serve it warm as a side or main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

5) Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delicious and easy dish that combines juicy chicken, creamy orzo, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. You can make this all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Start by sautéing the chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Then add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo. Pour in chicken broth and let it cook until the orzo is tender.

Finish with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This comforting meal is perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add orzo and chicken broth, then simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5. Mix in fresh spinach and parmesan cheese, then serve.

6) Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is a simple dish that’s packed with flavor. This recipe combines creamy orzo with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

You can prepare this dish in one pot, making cleanup easy. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried orzo pasta
• ¾ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in orzo, vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

7) Easy Orzo Primavera

Easy Orzo Primavera is a bright and tasty dish packed with fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lovely side dish.

Start by cooking orzo pasta until tender, about 8-10 minutes. While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add garlic, zucchini, and carrots, cooking them until soft. Mix in the cooked orzo and toss everything together. You can add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Top it off with parmesan cheese if you like!

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• Optional: parmesan cheese and lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, zucchini, and carrots. Cook until soft.
4. Mix in the cooked orzo.
5. Add lemon juice and parmesan if desired. Stir well and serve.

8) Orzo with Harissa & Turmeric

Orzo with harissa and turmeric is a vibrant and flavorful dish. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth to the orzo. You can enjoy it as a main meal or a tasty side.

Start by cooking the orzo until it’s al dente. Then, mix in harissa paste for a spicy kick and turmeric for color and health benefits. This dish pairs well with vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.

For an extra touch, add yogurt or feta cheese on top before serving. This provides a creamy contrast to the spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Yogurt or feta cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add diced bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Mix in cooked orzo, harissa, and turmeric.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm, topped with yogurt or feta if desired.

9) Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad is a tasty and colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. This salad combines orzo pasta with vibrant vegetables and feta cheese for a zesty flavor.

You’ll need ingredients like fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. A simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. It’s light yet filling, making it a great side for grilled meats.

To prepare, cook the orzo until tender, then cool it down before mixing with the veggies and feta. Toss everything together with your dressing. This dish is not only flavorful but also healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Then, drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
3. Whisk olive oil and lemon juice together. Then, pour the mixture over the salad.
4. Add feta, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Enjoy!

10) One-Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo is a delicious and easy dish. You can make it all in one pot, which saves on cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights and takes about 25 minutes to prepare.

You’ll love the creamy texture paired with the rich flavor of tomatoes. This dish is also vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone. Serve it as a main meal or a side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• ½ cup white wine
• 2.5-3 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until they are soft.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add orzo, white wine, and broth. Then, bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the orzo is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

11) Orzo Pesto Delight

Orzo Pesto Delight is a quick and tasty dish. You can whip it up as a side or a main meal. The creamy pesto sauce pairs wonderfully with the orzo pasta.

To start, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain and set aside.

Next, mix your cooked orzo with pesto. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto for this. Then, stir in some cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Serve it warm or at room temperature. This dish is perfect for picnics or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a pot.
2. Add orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain orzo and set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine orzo with pesto.
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve and enjoy!

12) Herb Lemon Orzo Salad

Herb Lemon Orzo Salad is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs make it perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a side or a light main dish.

To make this salad, start by cooking orzo pasta until it’s tender. Then, cool it under running water.

In a large bowl, mix the orzo with lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley and basil.

Add diced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, toss everything together, and your salad is ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and cool the orzo under running water.
3. In a bowl, mix orzo with lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Stir in cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

13) Baked Cheesy Orzo

Baked Cheesy Orzo is a comforting dish full of flavor. This recipe combines orzo pasta with cheese and spices for a creamy bake. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish.

Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. Then, drain and set it aside.

In a separate pot, melt butter, then add flour to create a roux. Slowly stir in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.

Add in your choice of cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted. Then, mix the cooked orzo into the cheese sauce.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with more cheese on top. Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions and drain.
2. Melt butter in a pot and add flour to make a roux.
3. Stir in milk and cook until thickened.
4. Add cheeses and mix until melted.
5. Combine orzo with the cheese sauce.
6. Pour into a baking dish and top with extra cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

14) Chicken and Orzo Skillet

This Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. It combines juicy chicken with orzo pasta and fresh veggies.

Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet. Once it’s golden brown, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Then, stir in the orzo and some broth for flavor. Let it simmer until the orzo is tender.

You can add spinach or other greens at the end. This gives the dish color and extra nutrition. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (30 g) spinach (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until brown.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
4. Add orzo and chicken broth.
5. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

15) Southwestern Orzo Bowl

A Southwestern Orzo Bowl combines the flavors of the Southwest in a delicious and filling dish. You will enjoy the blend of spices, veggies, and orzo pasta all in one bowl.

Start by cooking orzo according to the package instructions. Once done, mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Spice it up with cumin, chili powder, and lime juice for a fresh kick. Then, top your bowl with avocado slices and fresh cilantro. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, as it’s simple and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to the package.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked orzo, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell pepper.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Mix well.
4. Serve in bowls topped with avocado and cilantro.
5. Enjoy!