10+ Orzo Recipes for Every Occasion

Orzo is a versatile pasta that can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, you’ll find that orzo recipes are easy to make and satisfying for everyone.

This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for salads, soups, or as a side dish.

In this article, you will discover several tasty orzo recipes that are sure to please your taste buds. With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious meals that are both nutritious and flavorful. Get ready to enjoy the wonderful world of orzo!

1) Parmesan Garlic Orzo Delight

Parmesan Garlic Orzo is a tasty and easy dish that you’ll love. It pairs well as a side or can be a main meal. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it comforting and satisfying.

To make this dish, you’ll use orzo pasta, which cooks quickly. The garlic adds wonderful flavor, while Parmesan cheese brings a rich taste. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• ¼ cup butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and add salt.
2. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, melt the butter and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, and milk.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
6. Top with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

2) Creamy Lemon and Herb Orzo

Creamy lemon and herb orzo is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. You will enjoy the combination of tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy goodness. It pairs perfectly as a side or a main dish.

Start by cooking orzo pasta until it is al dente. While it’s cooking, you can prepare the sauce. Mix together butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese. Add lemon juice and zest for extra flavor.

Once the orzo is ready, combine it with the creamy sauce and gently toss in your favorite herbs. Fresh basil or parsley works great. Serve it warm and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and cook orzo for 8-10 minutes.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Stir in cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Mix cooked orzo with the sauce.
5. Add chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve warm.

3) Tomato Basil Orzo Medley

This Tomato Basil Orzo Medley is a tasty and easy dish to make. It combines orzo pasta with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a delightful meal. The burst of flavors makes it perfect for any night of the week.

Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté garlic in olive oil for extra flavor. Add the fresh tomatoes and let them cook down until they burst.

Once the orzo is cooked, mix it with the tomato and basil mixture. You can top it with Parmesan cheese for added richness. This dish is not only simple but also satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they burst.
4. Combine cooked orzo with the tomato mixture.
5. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

4) Greek Style Orzo with Grilled Veggies

This Greek Style Orzo with Grilled Veggies is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. The combination of orzo and fresh grilled vegetables makes it hearty and satisfying.

Start with orzo pasta, which cooks quickly and has a nice texture. You can mix in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for great flavor. Toss everything in a light Greek vinaigrette for that zesty touch.

This dish is perfect as a main course or a side dish. It’s great for any weeknight dinner, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill veggies for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. In a bowl, mix grilled veggies with orzo and lemon juice.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) One-Pot Chicken and Orzo Wonder

This One-Pot Chicken and Orzo recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. It combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and tasty seasonings all in one dish. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare.

Start with cooking your chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add garlic, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful boost. Stir in orzo and broth, letting everything cook together. The result is creamy and satisfying.

You can mix in some fresh spinach just before serving for added color and nutrition. It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chicken thighs and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
4. Add orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until orzo is tender.
6. Stir in fresh spinach if using, and serve warm.

6) Zesty Lemon Orzo with Parmesan

Zesty lemon orzo with parmesan is a delightful dish that is both easy to make and full of flavor. The bright taste of lemon pairs perfectly with the creamy parmesan cheese.

You’ll enjoy the way this dish can be a side or a main meal. It’s great for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers.

This recipe combines orzo pasta, fresh lemon juice, and garlic for a simple yet tasty experience. Adding a touch of cream elevates the dish and makes it extra special.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Mix in parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

7) Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Orzo with sun-dried tomato sauce is a simple and tasty dish. This recipe is perfect for a busy night when you want something quick and delicious.

Start by cooking the orzo in boiling water. While it cooks, prepare the sun-dried tomato sauce. You can use jarred sun-dried tomatoes for convenience.

Combine the cooked orzo with the sauce, toss in some Parmesan cheese, and enjoy. This dish is creamy and flavorful, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot and cook orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add cooked orzo to the sauce and mix well.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

8) Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The shrimp cook up quickly in a rich garlic butter sauce, making this dish both simple and flavorful.

The orzo adds a nice pasta texture, soaking up all the delicious flavors. You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, and it’s sure to impress your family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked orzo and mix well.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

9) Lemony Orzo with Peas and Mint

Lemony orzo with peas and mint is a bright and refreshing dish. It’s perfect for spring and adds a splash of color to your table. The zesty lemon pairs well with sweet peas and fresh mint.

To make this dish, start by cooking orzo pasta until al dente. Then, combine it with blanched peas and chopped mint for a burst of flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice enhances the taste and brings everything together.

You can serve this dish warm or chilled. It works great as a side or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Blanch the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine the orzo, peas, chopped mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
5. Serve warm or chilled.

10) Spicy Orzo with Sausage and Peppers

Spicy Orzo with Sausage and Peppers is a warm and filling dish that you can whip up in no time. The combination of savory sausage and sweet peppers makes it tasty and satisfying. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

To start, cook the orzo pasta in salted water until it’s al dente.

In a separate pan, sauté your sausage until it’s browned and crispy. Then, add chopped bell peppers and let them soften.

Mix in the cooked orzo and season with red pepper flakes for extra heat. Stir everything together and let the flavors blend for a few minutes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 7 ounces mild Italian sausage
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sausage and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the bell peppers and cook until softened.
5. Combine cooked orzo with sausage and peppers.
6. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot.