12 Best Easy Orzo Recipes
on Mar 31, 2022, Updated May 09, 2022
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Pass on the standard pasta dishes for these crave-worthy Orzo Recipes. From salads to soup, and of course pasta too, Orzo might become your favorite Italian dish. You can serve it hot or cold.
From Greek Orzo Salad to healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Shrimp Orzo and Orzo with Peas and Parmesan, these Orzo recipes will have you wanting more. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can mix and match your sides with it.
What is Orzo?
Also known to some as risoni, orzo is a form of shorter cut pasta. Cooked similar to pasta but served more similarly to rice.
Is Orzo Pasta Healthier Than Rice?
Although it is a type of pasta that looks like rice, orzo is actually the healthier choice especially if you opt for the whole wheat version. It is packed full of fiber and protein. The downside? If you’re watching your calorie intake, then be aware that orzo is still fairly high in calories, providing about 50% more calories than an equal serving of white rice.
What Goes Well With Orzo?
Orzo is completely versatile, and can serve it hot or cold! It goes well chicken or salmon, or served on its own as a soup, baked dish, or even mixed in with some shrimp. You can also serve it up as a pasta salad, or just eat it on its own with a bit of lemon zest.
Orzo Salads Recipes
Orzo Pasta Salad
This easy 15-minute easy lemon orzo pasta salad is the perfect summer side dish! It’s truly one of those side dishes that have a burst of flavor from the tomatoes, lemon zest, and fresh herbs! Bring it for those picnics, potlucks, and barbecues!
Greek Orzo Salad
Loaded with crunchy veggies, creamy feta, fresh herbs, a lemon dressing, and only about 20 minutes of your time, Greek Orzo salad is certainly something you’ll love. Easy to make ahead for lunch and pairs perfectly with garlic chicken and salmon.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
A healthy option that’s easy to make, Mediterranean Orzo salad can also be a flavorful pasta salad side. Every bite is filled with crunchy vegetables, spinach, briny olives, and feta cheese. It doesn’t get much easier than this!
Orzo Soups
Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This dish will certainly add a little brightness to any of your days! You’ll experience complete nourishment and flavor with every bite! From the veggies to the chicken all the way through to the lemon and orzo! You can’t go wrong!
Italian Orzo Soup
Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal?! This Italian Orzo soup is a one-pot dish made with spicy Italian sausage, orzo pasta, and rich tomato flavors. Plus, it only takes 20 minutes to make!
Greek Orzo Soup
Using a baked or rotisserie chicken, orzo pasta, tender vegetables, chicken broth, and some lemon – this soup comes together before you know it! It’s one of those dishes that you can eat any time of the year but definitely hits the spot on those cold nights! Be sure to top with a bit of feta cheese for that extra bit of heartiness.
More Orzo Pasta Recipes
Shrimp Orzo
Fast and fresh, what more can you ask for? Ready in just 20 minutes, this shrimp orzo is another one-pot meal! The fresh garlic and herbs give this dish a pop of flavor.
Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Probably the perfect side dish for any meal, this dish comes together just as fast as the boxed version but tastes better. All it takes is some orzo, rice, garlic, onion, butter, chicken broth, and turmeric. This dish is perfect to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters.
Mushroom Orzo
Packed with an earthy flavor that you will certainly want to savor with every bite. Mushroom orzo is a one-pot recipe using browned butter and thyme. You’ll need about 30 minutes and only 5 ingredients for this recipe.
Creamy Tomato Baked Orzo
A lasagna dish with a twist, this creamy tomato-baked orzo will have you stepping up your pasta game. With just 5 ingredients, you’ll love the way this recipe combines orzo, ricotta, mozzarella, spinach and marinara!
Sausage and Broccolini Orzo
If there’s one thing about one-pot recipes to appreciate, it’s that it saves time on those busy weeknights! Made in one skillet, ready in just under 20 minutes, you can easily serve this meal right away or store it for up to three days in the fridge for later.
Orzo with Peas and Parmesan
An easy side dish to make and pairs perfectly with your favorite protein! The sweet peas are lightly coated in a light parmesan sauce with onions and garlic. Made in just 20 minutes in a single pan.
Is Orzo Gluten-Free?
Orzo simply translates from Italian to English as ‘barely’, which can easily refer to the size of the Orzo in comparison to regular-sized pasta noodles. Even though it is smaller in size, Orzo isn’t naturally gluten-free, containing wheat semolina flour which contains gluten. Don’t worry though, you can easily buy gluten-free orzo.
Should I Rinse Orzo Before Cooking?
The answer to this really depends on what you’re making. You’ll only need to rinse it if If you are going to be baking the orzo or putting it in a salad. Otherwise, don’t rinse it as rinsing will remove some starch which helps the sauce to stick to it.
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Easy Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb grilled chicken, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cooked egg, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain orzo.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add ½ cup of pasta water to the mixture. Mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, add orzo pasta and lemon juice mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add grilled chicken and bell pepper to the pasta. Mix gently. Season with more salt if necessary.
- Add egg pieces on top. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
