Orzo Pasta Recipes
Orzo Pasta is a great pantry staple because it cooks quickly and it’s a versatile ingredient! Today, I’m sharing a variety of orzo pasta recipes, for when you need a quick meal. Grab your box of orzo and get cooking!
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta. Most of the orzo you’ll find at the grocery store is made with white flour, but there are a few brands that make whole wheat orzo. Whole wheat orzo will have a slightly nuttier taste and a heartier texture but it also has more protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check out Banza‘s chickpea rice. I actually think it tastes more like orzo than rice and it’s the perfect shape for the recipes below!
What’s the best way to make orzo?
Orzo is just like regular pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook until al dente, then drain. Since it’s a small pasta shape, it cooks faster than most pasta shapes!
What can I make with orzo?
This is such a versatile pasta! Its small shape works really well in salads but it’s also tasty in creamy pasta dishes. Like many pasta shapes, it can work in a variety of your favorite pasta dishes! If you’re looking for a few different ways to use orzo, here are some recipes to get you started!
Orzo Pasta Recipes
This easy Parmesan Orzo Pasta makes a great side dish, or you can add protein and make it a main dish! It cooks in just 15 minutes and it’s full of salty flavor from the Parmesan cheese!
More Orzo Pasta Recipes
- This Broccoli and Orzo Skillet recipe reminds me of my childhood favorite rice-a-roni dish but with real ingredients and lots of veggies!
- One-pot recipes are the best for easy dinners. Serve up this vegetarian One Pot Orzo Roasted Butternut Squash for a dinner that everyone will love!
- This Creamy Asparagus Orzo with Garlic Parmesan is delicious any day of the year. It’s easy to make and the whole family will be asking for seconds.
- Grill up some zucchini and corn to mix with arugula and orzo pasta with a delicious dressing for an easy summer dinner. This Grilled Summer Orzo Pasta is the perfect recipe for a backyard barbecue!
Orzo Soup Recipe
If you’re interested in using orzo in a soup recipe, try this easy vegetable orzo soup! It’s packed with peas, corn, carrots, and more!
More Orzo Soup Recipes
- This Mushroom Orzo Soup recipe is hearty and delicious, perfect for a meatless soup recipe!
- Or switch things up and try this vegan-friendly Broccoli “Cheddar” soup with Orzo! It’s just as creamy and delicious as a typical creamy soup, but without any cream!
- This Orzo and Tomato soup is a great midweek meal! Filled with vegetables and tender orzo pasta, this is easy, healthy comfort food.
Orzo Salad Recipes
Orzo is also great for salads! This small little pasta holds its shape in salads and it’s great for a make-ahead dish. This Feta and Orzo Pasta Salad has chickpeas, feta, and red onion for tons of flavor! This is one of my favorite ways to use orzo pasta!
More Orzo Salad Recipes
- This Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad is a light and fresh pasta salad, loaded with grilled corn and zucchini, peaches, basil, and feta. It brings together the best of summer ingredients, making it the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
- This simple Halloumi and Tomato Orzo Salad features seared cherry tomatoes and halloumi cheese and a delicious balsamic dressing.
- Looking for a simple salad recipe? This Lemony Orzo and Roasted Corn Salad is packed with corn, herbs, and dainty little pasta, tossed in a light and simple lemon vinaigrette.
Have you tried orzo? If you have a favorite recipe, leave a link in the comments below!
I love all these great ideas for orzo! That halloumi and tomato orzo salad sounds amazing!
I love orzo and I make it a lot but I haven’t made it recently and I am definitely going to use this recipe to make it soon! thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to try this out!
One of my favorites is parmesan orzo with a pat of butter…so simple yet so good and perfect when you’re not feeling well. My mom would make that for me when I was younger. Such a versatile pasta…these all look like delicious ideas!
Orzo is so fun to cook with! I love how versatile it is! Thanks for sharing these tips!
I just happen to have several packages of orzo in my pantry with no plans for. So many tasty-sounding recipes to choose from here. Thanks for all the ideas!
My family loves orzo and I’m always looking for new ways to serve it. This post was great for inspiration!
I never know what to do with orzo but now I a ton of inspiration! Thanks for sharing.
I love the texture of orzo! I’ve been on a big soup kick lately, so I think I’ll have to give that mushroom orzo soup a try first. It sounds perfectly cozy.
I love to use orzo to bulk up regular salads. This is a great article to help me incorporate it into even more recipes.