10+ Orzo Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Orzo pasta is a versatile ingredient that can add a delightful touch to many meals. It’s perfect for salads, soups, and main dishes, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a comforting main course, orzo recipes can provide a satisfying and easy cooking experience.
Experimenting with orzo opens up countless possibilities in the kitchen. You can combine it with fresh vegetables, proteins, and flavorful sauces to create delicious meals. From creamy dishes to light salads, orzo can cater to various tastes and preferences, enhancing your culinary adventures.
1) Parmesan Garlic Orzo Delight
This Parmesan Garlic Orzo Delight is a simple yet tasty dish. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a winner for any meal. You can prepare it quickly using just a few ingredients.
To start, cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions. In a separate pan, melt some butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Once everything is ready, mix the orzo with the garlic butter. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of milk for creaminess. Finish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Combine the cooked orzo with the garlic butter.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and milk.
- Add parsley and serve hot.
2) One Pot Creamy Orzo Magic
One Pot Creamy Orzo is a delicious and easy dish that you can make in no time. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but simple. You will appreciate how creamy and flavorful it turns out.
To start, heat some olive oil in a pot. Add sliced garlic until it’s fragrant. Next, toss in cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste. Then, pour in chicken stock and cream to create a rich sauce.
Once everything is combined, add orzo and let it simmer until the pasta is tender. In about 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup orzo
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken stock and cream.
- Add orzo and simmer until tender.
3) Greek Style Orzo Salad
Greek Style Orzo Salad is a refreshing dish full of vibrant flavors. This salad uses orzo, a pasta that looks like rice, making it unique.
You can combine cooked orzo with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add a delightful touch.
For dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste. This salad is perfect as a side or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
- Add cooled orzo and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.
4) Quick Lemon Orzo with Parmesan
Quick Lemon Orzo with Parmesan is a simple and tasty dish. It combines the fresh taste of lemon with creamy Parmesan cheese, making it a delightful side or main course. This recipe cooks in just about 20 minutes.
To start, you’ll need orzo pasta, some lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. You can even add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
This dish is not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. The bright lemon zest brings a refreshing taste, while the Parmesan adds a rich creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or peas
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cooked orzo, lemon juice, and zest.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add spinach or peas if desired, and serve hot.
5) Tuscan One Pot Orzo
Tuscan One Pot Orzo is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that combines orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in one pot.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together. In about 30 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s ideal as a side dish or a meatless main course.
This recipe is creamy and comforting. The cheese melts perfectly into the orzo, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, combine orzo and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
6) Spinach Parmesan Orzo
Spinach Parmesan Orzo is a delicious and simple dish. It combines creamy orzo pasta with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty side.
To start, you will need orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan. You can also add garlic and onion for extra flavor.
This dish cooks in about 20 minutes. First, sauté garlic and onion, then add the spinach to wilt. Stir in cooked orzo and mix in the Parmesan until it melts.
You’ll enjoy the creamy texture and savory taste. It’s not only easy to make, but it’s also a great way to get some greens into your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the cooked orzo and mix well.
- Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
7) Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Bliss
Sun-dried tomato orzo is a delightful dish that’s both quick and flavorful. You can whip it up in just under 30 minutes. This recipe uses orzo pasta, which resembles rice, making it unique.
The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a rich and tangy flavor. You can also include fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for extra taste. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner.
You’ll love how creamy and satisfying it is. Plus, it’s made in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried orzo pasta
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ⅓ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Add olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
8) Garlic and Herb Orzo
Garlic and Herb Orzo is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect as a side or a light main course. You can have it ready in about 20 minutes.
First, you’ll melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic. Cooking the garlic for just a minute enhances its flavor. Then, add orzo and broth to the pan.
As the orzo cooks, stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra kick. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end brings it all together.
This dish pairs well with chicken or seafood, making it versatile for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the orzo and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in herbs, cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.
9) Orzo with Grilled Chicken & Veggies
Orzo with grilled chicken and veggies is a delicious and easy meal. You can pack it with different vegetables based on what you like. Common choices are zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Start by cooking the orzo until it’s tender. Meanwhile, grill the chicken until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. You can season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Once everything is cooked, mix the orzo, grilled chicken, and veggies together. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. This dish is great warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
- Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, grill the chicken until it is cooked.
- Grill the veggies until they are tender.
- Mix the orzo, chicken, and veggies together.
- Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
10) Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Peas
Lemon Parmesan Orzo with Peas is a bright and tasty dish. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to prepare. This recipe is perfect as a side or even a light main course.
To start, you’ll toast the orzo for a delicious nutty flavor. Then, you mix it with butter, garlic, and vegetable broth.
The addition of lemon juice and peas adds a fresh touch. Finally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for creaminess.
It’s an easy dish that pairs well with chicken, fish, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add garlic and toast for 1 minute.
- Stir in orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in peas and lemon juice, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy!