10+ Orzo Pasta Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Orzo pasta is a versatile ingredient that you can easily incorporate into a variety of dishes. It can be used in salads, soups, or as a side dish, making it a favorite in many kitchens.

Orzo recipes are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Whether you prefer creamy, savory flavors or fresh, vibrant tastes, there’s an orzo recipe to suit your palate. With its unique shape and texture, orzo is great at absorbing flavors, which makes it a wonderful base for a range of ingredients.

Get ready to explore creative and satisfying ways to enjoy orzo in your meals.

1) Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach

Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Spinach is a quick and tasty dish. It combines creamy orzo pasta with fresh spinach and rich Parmesan cheese. This meal is perfect for dinner or as a side dish.

You’ll cook orzo in a pot, then mix in garlic, spinach, and cheese. The flavors come together nicely, making it a delightful comfort food.

Plus, it’s simple to prepare, so you can easily whip it up any night.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the orzo and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
6. Once orzo is tender, mix in spinach until wilted.
7. Add Parmesan and season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Creamy Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and bursts with flavor. Using just one pot makes cleanup easy.

To make this dish, start by cooking orzo in a saucepan. Once it’s tender, add creamy ingredients along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in some spinach for extra color and nutrition.

You’ll love how the flavors blend together. This recipe is perfect as a side dish or a filling main course.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3) One-Pot Greek Orzo with Feta and Olives

You’ll love making this One-Pot Greek Orzo with Feta and Olives. It’s a simple, delicious meal packed with flavors. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a tasty side.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft. Then, stir in the orzo pasta.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender. Add crumbled feta and olives towards the end. Stir everything until well combined.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in orzo pasta and mix well.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in feta and olives. Mix until well combined.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of creamy parmesan, fresh basil, and zesty lemon gives it a refreshing taste. You can serve it as a side or a main dish.

To make this recipe, start with orzo pasta. Cook it until tender, then mix in your favorite ingredients. Add lemon zest, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.

This dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. You’ll love how vibrant and delicious it is.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, and parmesan.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

5) Parmesan Garlic Orzo with Butter

Parmesan Garlic Orzo with Butter is a simple and tasty dish that takes only a few ingredients and can be made in about 20 minutes. The creamy orzo pairs wonderfully with the rich flavor of butter and Parmesan.

Start by cooking the orzo until it’s tender. This small pasta shape cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.

Once cooked, sauté minced garlic in butter for a few minutes. Then, mix in the orzo and add in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

You can also throw in some chopped parsley for color and freshness. This dish works well as a side or a quick main meal.

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 orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Mix in cooked orzo and stir well.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until creamy.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

6) Chicken and Orzo with Fresh Herbs

This dish combines tender chicken and orzo pasta, making a delightful meal. The fresh herbs add vibrant flavor that brightens up the entire dish.

Start by cooking the orzo in broth for extra taste. Then, sauté chicken seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary for a tasty, cozy meal. Lemon juice adds a nice zing.

Serve it warm, topped with fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Add chicken to skillet.
4. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once chicken is cooked, add cooked orzo to the skillet.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and stir to combine. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

7) Orzo Salad with Grilled Vegetables

This orzo salad is a tasty way to enjoy fresh veggies. You can use a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Grilling the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.

To make this dish, you will start by cooking the orzo pasta until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, grill your vegetables until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

Once both the orzo and vegetables are ready, mix them together with a light dressing. You can use olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo pasta in boiling water (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Combine orzo and grilled vegetables in a large bowl.
6. Add dressing and fresh herbs, then mix well.

8) Spinach and Parmesan Orzo Risotto

Spinach and Parmesan Orzo Risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side.

For this recipe, you will cook orzo pasta just like risotto. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Add in the orzo, then pour in vegetable broth gradually while stirring.

Once the orzo absorbs the broth, mix in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until everything is combined and creamy. This dish is ready in about 20 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add orzo pasta and stir for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring frequently.
5. Once absorbed, mix in spinach and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

9) Orzo Pasta with Shrimp and Lemon Zest

This orzo pasta with shrimp and lemon zest is a bright and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Start by cooking the orzo in a pot of boiling water. You want it tender but not mushy.

In a skillet, sauté shrimp with garlic and olive oil until they turn pink. Then, add lemon zest for a fresh burst of flavor.

Combine the shrimp with the drained orzo. A sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper will enhance the taste.

Serve it with grated parmesan on top for extra creaminess. It’s delicious and ready in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and shrimp, and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix in lemon zest, along with the drained orzo. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve topped with parmesan cheese, if desired.

10) One-Pan Creamy Tomato Orzo

One-Pan Creamy Tomato Orzo is a delicious and easy dish to make. This recipe combines orzo pasta with creamy tomato sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal.

You start by heating olive oil in a pan. Next, add chopped onions and garlic until they are soft.

Then, stir in tomato paste and orzo. Pour in chicken stock or water and let it simmer.

As the orzo cooks, add spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Finally, mix in cream and Parmesan for a creamy texture. Enjoy your tasty meal in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 cup orzo
• 2.5 cups chicken stock or water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh basil, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add tomato paste and orzo, mixing well.
5. Pour in chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until orzo is al dente.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until combined.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil if desired.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!