10+ Orzo Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Delicious Meals

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that you can use in many types of dishes. It works well as a side or as part of a main meal.

Orzo cooks quickly and can be mixed with lots of flavors to suit your taste.

Orzo recipes help you create easy and versatile dishes. Whether you like creamy, savory, or fresh flavors, orzo can fit into your cooking routine without much hassle.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Optional: vegetables, chicken broth, herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook orzo until tender (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain orzo and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil or butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cooked orzo to the pan and mix in Parmesan cheese and any other ingredients you like.
5. Cook together for a few minutes until heated through.

1) Parmesan Garlic Orzo with Butter and Minced Garlic

This Parmesan Garlic Orzo recipe is simple and comforting. You cook orzo pasta and mix it with butter and minced garlic for a rich, tasty base.

Parmesan cheese melts into the warm pasta for a cheesy flavor. Fresh parsley can brighten the taste if you like.

The butter and garlic give the dish a great aroma and depth of flavor. This recipe uses common ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

You can find a similar easy recipe for Parmesan Garlic Orzo with butter and garlic here.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in cooked orzo.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until creamy.
6. Mix in parsley before serving.

2) One Pot Creamy Orzo with Chicken Stock and Fresh Herbs

You can make a simple and tasty orzo dish using chicken stock and fresh herbs. The chicken stock adds rich flavor, while the herbs bring a fresh touch.

This recipe cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy. The orzo absorbs the broth and turns creamy without extra cream.

Adding garlic and lemon brightens the dish. Finish it with parsley or basil for extra color and taste.

This recipe is great for a quick dinner that feels cozy. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in orzo and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs.
7. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

3) Greek Baked Orzo with Feta, Red Peppers, and Lemon Dill

This dish is a warm and comforting baked orzo with fresh flavors. You’ll mix orzo pasta with red peppers, tomatoes, and kale or chickpeas for protein.

The top gets a layer of tangy feta cheese and fresh dill. A splash of lemon juice brightens the meal.

Baking it all in one skillet saves you time and makes a simple, tasty dinner. It’s a good meal for quick weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 100 g chopped tomatoes
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 cup kale or 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, red pepper, and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, orzo, kale or chickpeas, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Pour in 1 cup water or broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the orzo is nearly cooked (about 7 minutes).
5. Top with crumbled feta and dill.
6. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is golden and orzo is fully cooked.
7. Add lemon juice before serving.

4) Toasted Orzo Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

Toasted orzo adds a nutty flavor that makes this pasta dish special. You cook the orzo until it is golden brown in a pan.

Then, you mix in sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for a rich, tasty meal. This dish is quick to make and usually ready in about 15 minutes.

It pairs well with grilled chicken or veggies. The combination of crunchy, cheesy, and tangy flavors stands out.

You can cook this on the stove and finish it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It’s perfect for a simple dinner or a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add orzo and toast, stirring often until golden, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add water (about 1 ½ cups) and a pinch of salt. Simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs if you like.
7. Serve warm.

5) Easy Orzo Salad with Cucumber, Feta, and Kalamata Olives

This orzo salad is simple and fresh. You’ll love the crunch of cucumber paired with salty feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives.

It’s perfect as a side or a light meal. The salad gets a bright touch from lemon juice and olive oil.

You can prepare it ahead of time, making it great for busy days or picnics. Fresh herbs add a nice flavor boost.

Toss cooked orzo with chopped cucumber, crumbled feta, and sliced olives. Add lemon vinaigrette and gently mix everything.

Chill before serving to let the flavors blend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine orzo, cucumber, feta, and olives.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

6) Orzo with Basil and Parmesan Cheese

You’ll love this simple and tasty orzo dish. It combines the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese with the fresh, bright taste of basil.

This recipe is quick to make and works well as a side or light main dish. First, you cook the orzo in chicken broth for extra flavor.

Then you mix in butter, Parmesan, and fresh basil. The butter adds creaminess, and the basil brings a nice herbal touch.

It pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain any excess liquid, if needed, and return orzo to the pan.
4. Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
5. Season with salt, mix well, and serve warm.

For a flavorful orzo dish with fresh herbs and cheese, try this easy recipe from Food.com.

7) Orzo Soup with Tomatoes, Garlic, and Creamy Sauce

This soup combines the fresh taste of tomatoes with the rich flavor of garlic. The creamy sauce makes it smooth without being too heavy.

You’ll enjoy the tender orzo soaking up the delicious broth. Using simple ingredients, you can make a warm meal fast.

The garlic gives depth while the creamy sauce adds a comforting texture. Fresh or canned tomatoes work well for this recipe.

If you want a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream. This keeps the soup creamy but with less fat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and tomatoes, bring to a boil.
4. Stir in orzo and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Lower heat and mix in Greek yogurt or cream slowly.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if you like.

8) Orzo Pasta Salad with Scallions, Hazelnuts, and Golden Raisins

This orzo pasta salad mixes sweet and crunchy flavors. You get the chewiness of golden raisins and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts.

Scallions add a fresh, mild onion taste that brightens the dish. You can make this salad ahead for potlucks or a simple lunch.

Toss the ingredients with a tangy dressing made from red wine vinegar and lime juice. The salad stays fresh in the fridge for a few days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 6 scallions
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. Toast the hazelnuts lightly in a pan. Chop them roughly.
3. Chop the scallions.
4. In a large bowl, combine orzo, hazelnuts, raisins, and scallions.
5. Mix lime juice and red wine vinegar. Pour over the salad.
6. Toss everything gently to coat. Chill before serving.

Find more details at Food52’s orzo salad with scallions, hazelnuts, and golden raisins.

9) Antipasto Orzo Pasta Salad with Banana Peppers and Pepperoncini

This antipasto orzo pasta salad offers bold, tangy flavors. Banana peppers and pepperoncini add a nice zing.

You can make this salad easily for picnics or gatherings. It combines tender orzo pasta with Italian meats, cheeses, and crunchy vegetables.

Customize the ingredients to your taste. Toss everything with a light homemade dressing.

This dish serves a crowd and keeps well for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• ½ cup sliced banana peppers
• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini
• 1 cup diced salami or Italian cold cuts
• 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine orzo, banana peppers, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and onion.
3. Pour dressing over the salad. Toss gently to mix.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve cold or at room temperature.

10) Grilled Zucchini Orzo Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing

You’ll love this grilled zucchini orzo salad. The zucchini gets a smoky flavor from the grill, which pairs well with the light lemon-dill dressing.

The orzo pasta adds a soft, tender texture. The lemon-dill dressing gives the salad a fresh, tangy taste.

You can add toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. This salad is easy to make and works well for a quick, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 zucchinis, halved
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
2. Grill zucchini until tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain the orzo.
4. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, zest, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine orzo, grilled zucchini, and dressing. Toss well.
6. Serve warm or chilled.