10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes Orzo: Delicious Dishes for a Wholesome Meal

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Orzo, a small pasta that looks like rice, is a great option for creating quick and nutritious dinners. In this article, you will find a variety of healthy dinner recipes featuring orzo that are simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Using orzo, you can whip up delicious meals packed with vegetables, lean proteins, and tasty sauces. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet wholesome.

1) One-Pot Spinach Parmesan Orzo

This One-Pot Spinach Parmesan Orzo is a quick and easy dinner option. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients. You can have a delicious meal ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

You will need just a few ingredients to whip this dish up. It’s a great way to enjoy orzo pasta with the added goodness of spinach and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 400g orzo
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 100g fresh baby spinach
• 1 liter hot vegetable stock
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the orzo and hot vegetable stock.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
4. Add the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Stir until the spinach wilts and cheese melts. Enjoy!

2) Toasted Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Toasted orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is a tasty and quick dish you can enjoy for dinner. The nutty flavor of the toasted orzo pairs well with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes.

You can prepare this meal in about 15 minutes. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a healthy option that’s easy to make. You can also add some garlic and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

This dish can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in orzo and toast for about 5 minutes.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in 2 cups of water (or broth) and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is cooked.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.

3) One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo

This One-Pan Chicken and Spinach Orzo is a quick and tasty dinner option. You can make it in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The dish features tender chicken, creamy orzo, and fresh spinach. The flavors blend well, making it satisfying and nutritious.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare everything in one pan. Cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in orzo, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
6. Add spinach and cover. Cook until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes.

4) Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

This Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing is fresh and vibrant. It combines orzo pasta with crunchy veggies, salty feta cheese, and olives for extra flavor. The light lemon dressing ties everything together beautifully.

You can customize this salad with your favorite vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers work well. Fresh herbs, like parsley and basil, add a nice touch.

This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side. Enjoy it as a quick dinner or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and cool the pasta.
3. In a large bowl, combine orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives.
4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve immediately or chill for later.

5) Greek Baked Orzo with Feta

Greek Baked Orzo with Feta is a delicious and healthy dish. It’s great for dinner and easy to prepare. You can enjoy it with friends or family.

Start by cooking the orzo pasta until tender. Mix in chopped vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for extra flavor. Then add crumbled feta cheese for creaminess.

Bake the mixture in an oven-safe dish at 400°F (200°C). This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Once baked, serve it warm and enjoy the blend of Mediterranean tastes!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the orzo in the chicken broth until tender.
3. Mix in bell peppers and spinach.
4. Stir in feta cheese and olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

6) Orzo with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Zucchini

This orzo dish is colorful and packed with nutrients. You’ll enjoy the mix of fresh ingredients that make it perfect for dinner.

Start by cooking orzo pasta according to package instructions. While it cooks, sauté diced zucchini and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Once the orzo is ready, combine it with the sautéed veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. This dish tastes great warm and can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.

Ingredients

• 5 oz uncooked orzo pasta
• 1/2 large zucchini, diced
• 20 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions.
2. Sauté zucchini and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
4. Drain orzo and mix with veggies.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and cheese if desired. Enjoy!

7) One-Pot Healthy Vegetable Orzo

One-Pot Healthy Vegetable Orzo is a simple and tasty meal. You can combine colorful veggies with orzo pasta in one pot. This method saves time and reduces cleanup.

You’ll need ingredients like tomatoes, spinach, and zucchini. These vegetables are healthy and add flavor. Cooking everything together helps the flavors blend perfectly.

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add orzo, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Mix in spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

8) Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan

This creamy orzo with spinach and Parmesan is a quick and delicious dinner option. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please everyone at the table.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just cook the orzo and mix in fresh spinach and cheese for a rich flavor.

This dish is also versatile. You can enjoy it as a main course or as a tasty side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until tender.
3. Stir in the spinach and butter until the spinach wilts.
4. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

9) Nutty Toasted Orzo Pasta

Nutty Toasted Orzo Pasta is a simple and delicious dish you can whip up quickly. The process starts by toasting the orzo until it turns a lovely golden brown. This step enhances its nutty flavor, making it more enjoyable.

You can add garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the taste. These ingredients create a perfect combination of flavors. The dish is ready to serve in just about 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add orzo and toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, then mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

10) Quick and Easy Creamy Orzo Pasta

This creamy orzo pasta is a comforting dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.

You’ll love how the orzo becomes rich and creamy without needing heavy cream. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in orzo and broth, then bring to a simmer.
4. Cook until orzo is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Mix in spinach and cheese, stirring to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
7. Enjoy!