45 Irresistibly Delicious Orzo Recipes That Will Leave You Speechless

When you think about different types of pasta ,, does your brain instantly go to spaghetti, rigatoni or penne ? People seldom consider orzo, which is quite unfortunate because it's one of the most adaptable pasta varieties to keep in your pantry. And these 45 best orzo recipes are proof!

What Is Orzo?

Orzo looks like small, football-shaped pasta pieces that closely resemble grains of rice, yet it's pasta We assure you! It's a short-cut pasta shape commonly referred to as risoni and in Italy, referred to as pastina or "little pasta."

Related: Healthy Pasta Recipes

How to Prepare Orzo Pasta

Similar to other types of pasta, orzo should be cooked until soft through boiling. al dente Before being incorporated into soups, salads, or any other delightful dishes.

Related: 30 Types of Pasta

Best Orzo Recipes

Orzo is frequently utilized for preparing tasty orzo pasta salads and offers an effortless option. one-pot dinners , like my favorite Lemon, Asparagus and Orzo Your loved ones will enjoy these speedy comforting dishes. Orzo can be an excellent accompaniment to your evening chicken or pork as well. After discovering just how adaptable orzo truly is, you’ll understand why it’s wise to always have some stocked away in your kitchen storage. Even chefs appreciate orzo! You'll notice this when you come across his recipe for Bobby Flay's Toasted Orzo Pasta.

Looking for more orzo ideas? Here’s a collection of simple orzo dishes showcasing this lesser-known but beloved risoni pasta. You might just find yourself falling in love with it as your go-to ingredient!

Chicken Lemon and Asparagus Orzo

Talking about that, quick-cooking orzo, which has a grain-like shape, serves as an ideal base for the vibrant tastes in this healthy, single-pot meal.

Get the recipe: Chicken Lemon and Asparagus Orzo

Roasted RotisserieChicken with Orzo Casserole

Orzo cooks more quickly than most other types of pasta, making it ideal for this dish. casseroles , similar to this one from Joanna Cismaru.

Get the recipe: Roasted Chicken with Orzo Casserole

Quick Cook Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta in an Instant Pot

This beautiful orzo pasta salad is ideal for weeknight dinners since you can prepare it entirely in one pot. Instant Pot , eliminating the requirement for a separate skillet for sautéing. You can enjoy it when warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Get the recipe: Quick Cook Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta in an Instant Pot

Cheesy Meatball and Orzo Skillet Dish

This convenient one-pot orzo meal uses frozen vegetables. meatballs Into a smooth, somewhat cheesy main course, complete with the vegetables incorporated directly.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Meatball and Orzo Single-Pan Bake

Baked Orzo with White Cheddar and Green Beans Topped with Crispy Fried Onion Strands

Orozo introduces an additional layer to the mouthwatering mixture of green beans smothered in a Cajun-seasoned cream-of-chicken sauce, crowned with crispy fried onions.

Get the recipe: White Cheddar Green Bean Orzo Bake Topped with Crispy Onions Strings

25-Minute Lemon-Thyme Orzo Pilaf

Start preparing an appetizing and vibrant side dish brimming with taste.

Get the recipe: 25-Minute Lemon-Thyme Orzo Pilaf

Salmon Smoked and Orange Orzo Salad

When you require a revitalizing salad packed with satisfying protein, nutritious carbs, and fresh greens, opt for this smoked salmon and orange orzo salad. This dish features whole-grain pasta mixed with a zesty citrus dressing, complemented by pieces of savory smoked salmon, segments of oranges, crisp celery, and tender baby greens.

Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon with Orange Orzo Salad

Chicken Orzo Soup Featuring Bone-in Chicken Thighs

This comforting soup is nourishing for the spirit.

Get the recipe: Chicken Orzo Soup Featuring Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This comforting orzo chicken soup features chicken thighs, orzo, and lemon juice. Additional veggies along with a touch of ginger enhance its rich flavor, making it perfect for a cold day!

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Related: 38 Top DIY Salad Dressing Recipes

Orzo Risotto with Meyer Lemon and Spring Peas

This comforting dish is pure warmth for the soul.

Get the recipe: Orzo Risotto with Meyer Lemon and Fresh Spring Peas

Orzo Salad with Chimichurri Dressing

This orzo salad is dressed with a fragrant chimichurri sauce, paired with crisp spinach, and topped with crumbled feta cheese. You’ll have your nutritious dinner accompaniment ready in under 15 minutes!

Get the recipe: Orzo Salad with Chimichurri Dressing

Smooth Parmesan Orzo Pasta withChicken, Artichokes, and Spinach

Like mac and cheese, this wholesome dish delightfully blends artichokes, spinach, chicken, and orzo pasta for a tasty meal.

Get the recipe: Smooth Parmesan Orzo Pasta withChicken, Artichokes, and Spinach

Pesto Orzo Salad

Pesto orzo salad is a light and straightforward side dish ideal for summertime. Making this salad requires minimal effort, involving hardly any preparation or cutting.

Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad

This orzo salad is incredibly refreshing!

Get the recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad

Related: 70 Excellent Lemon Recipes To Enhance Your Mood

Chickpea Orzo Soup

This pasta soup brimming with vegetables is incredibly tasty and provides you with a nutrient boost along with a sense of satiety.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Orzo Soup

Creamy Mushroom Orzo

Consider creamy mushroom soup served over pasta.

G et the recipe: Creamy Mushroom Orzo

Orzo With Everything

You'll love this version of the corn-tomato-feta salad packed with orzo.

Get the recipe: Orzo With Everything

Greek Pasta Salad with Orzo

Save this recipe for the end of summer when your tomato supply is abundant.

Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad with Orzo

Roasted Orzo "Risotto" Featuring Fresh Herbs

Loaded with orzo, herbed, and packed with cheese, this fresh risotto checks all the boxes.

Get the recipe: Roasted Orzo "Risotto" Featuring Fresh Herbs

Lemon Orzo Salad

This lemon orzo salad paired with feta boasts a zesty and vibrant taste, packed full of freshly squeezed lemon essence derived from both lemon peel and lemon juice. Prepare this simple summertime side dish using just eight components and within 25 minutes!

Get the recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad

Meatball Stew with Orzo and WhiteBeans

This meatball stew featuring orzo and white beans is both substantial and bursting with taste. Packed with protein and an abundance of vegetables, it’s quite satisfying.

Get the recipe: Meatball Stew with Orzo and White Beans

Related: 20 Top White Bean Delicacies

Spinach Egg and Lemon Soup

Greek Egg Lemon Soup (Avgolemono) offers a speedy and delicious option compared to traditional chicken soup—particularly when you include orzo and add some spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Get the recipe: Spinach Egg and Lemon Soup

Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Caramelized Shallots

This orzo offers a savory flavor with a hint of garlic, complemented by a slight sweetness derived from the shallots and thyme. Parmesan enhances its creamy texture without weighing it down.

Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Caramelized Shallots

Dill Roasted Salmon Salad

Orzo brings a textured crunch to this herb-infused salmon salad.

Get the recipe: Dill Roasted Salmon Salad

Vegan Avgolemono Soup

Nobody will think this silky orzo soup is vegan.

Get the recipe: Vegan Avgolemono Soup

Chicken with Orzo, Lemon, and Feta in One Pot

This dish for one-pot baked chicken and orzo bursts with Mediterranean flavors such as lemon, olives, freshly picked oregano, and feta cheese!

Get the recipe: Chicken with Orzo, Lemon, and Feta in One Pot

One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Orzo Dish

With just one pot, five ingredients, and thirty minutes, you can whip up this tasty vegan orzo dish.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Orzo Dish

Simple Single Pan Ground Beef Dish Featuring Orzo

Everyone in your family will enjoy this tasty skillet dish featuring ground beef cooked with orzo and tangy olives.

Get the recipe: Simple Single Pan Ground Beef Dish Featuring Orzo

Related: 150+ Ground Beef Recipes

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Soup

This creamy tomato spinach orzo soup is robust and packed with vegetables, and you can prepare it as either vegan or vegetarian according to your preference.

Get the recipe: Smooth Tomato Spinach Orzo Soup

Vegan Meditteranean Spinach Orzo Salad

The Vegan Spinach Orzo Salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pine nuts. This dish can be whipped up in less than 45 minutes using just nine components. It serves as a tasty substitute for conventional pasta salads.

Get the recipe: Vegan Meditteranean Spinach Orzo Salad

Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

A light and revitalizing side dish featuring orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

Get the recipe: Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

Blueberry Peach Orzo

This lime-flavored orzo pasta features plump ripe peaches and luscious blueberries, complemented by delicate peppery arugula leaves that counterbalance the sweet fruitiness, resulting in an ideal harmony of tastes.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Peach Orzo

Chicken Marsala Orzo

This one-pot chicken Marsala orzo simplifies the classic chicken Marsala recipe, turning it into a fast and simple dinner option perfect for busy weekdays—all prepared in just one pot!

Get the recipe: Chicken Marsala Orzo

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta

A single-pot dish featuring soft orzo cooked in a mild and cheese-filled creamy sauce.

Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta

Orzo Chicken Greek Style

To prepare an excellent family meal, simply combine chicken with orzo, tomato passata, and some delightful Greek seasonings, before baking it all together.

Get the recipe: Orzo Chicken Greek Style

Related: 42 Chinese Chicken Recipes

Creamy Mushroom Orzo with Spinach

This dish is not only silky smooth but also simple and tasty!

Get the recipe: Creamy Mushroom Orzo with Spinach

Sausage and Tomato Orzo Soup with an Italian Twist

This delicious Italian soup is something we prepare all year long.

Get the recipe: Sausage, Tomato, and Orzo Soup with an Italian Twist

Cajun Orzo with Andouille Sausage

This tasty orzo with sausage is a flexible recipe that can function equally well as either a main course or a side dish. It’s easy to prepare and serves up as a delightful choice for hectic days when you're short on time but craving something delicious.

Get the recipe: Cajun Orzo with Andouille Sausage

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Prepare to be captivated by this Greek-inspired chicken noodle soup featuring succulent chicken, delightful veggies, and pasta in a flavorful and zesty lemon broth.

Get the recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Goat Cheese Orzo Salad

Orzo blends playfully with zesty goat cheese and soft asparagus in this summery salad.

Get the recipe: Goat Cheese and Orzo Salad

Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli Orzo

This orzo recipe, featuring just 7 basic components, will quickly turn into a favorite for busy weeknights.

G et the recipe: Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli Orzo

Lemon Orzo Salad

This orzo salad embodies the essence of spring with orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, plump cherry tomatoes, and tender asparagus tips, mixed together in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It offers substance without heaviness and serves wonderfully either as an accompaniment or centerpiece dish whether you're dining in or bringing something to share at a gathering.

Get the recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad

Related: 40 Chicken Thigh Recipes for Supper

Summer Orzo Salad with Chickpeas and Feta

Including all colors of the spectrum has never been simpler when it comes to your diet.

Get the recipe: Summer Orzo Salad with Garbanzos and Feta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Scoop out a serving of orzo-filled coziness.

Get the recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

One-Pot Orzo with Garlic, Parmesan, and Mushrooms

This creamy orzo pasta is covered in a completely indulgent sauce and mixed with vegetables.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Orzo with Garlic, Parmesan, and Mushrooms

Up next:

Related: The Top 18 Viral TikTok Pasta Recipes Ever