I’m having an orzo party and you’re all invited. In case you didn’t notice, I’ve fallen in love with this little grain over the past few years because it checks the box when I’m craving both tender pasta and a flavorful rice dish.
There are SO many delicious ways to cook orzo, and I find myself throwing it into every meal possible (similarly to my love for pearl couscous). I’m sharing the nine orzo recipes I have that just so happen to be some of my all-time favorite dinners on my site!
Choose between warm and comforting or bright and fresh — each recipe is packed with protein and veggies and absolutely perfect for meal prep.
What is orzo?
If you’ve never cooked with orzo before — welcome! Get ready to enjoy one of the most versatile grains you can keep in your pantry. Orzo is a short grain pasta that looks like large pieces of rice. It’s made with wheat, so it’s not naturally gluten-free!
Three ways to cook orzo
Yes, there are multiple ways to cook this little grain!
- Pasta method: add your orzo to boiling water, let it cook, then drain off all of the water. Be sure to save some of the pasta water if the recipe calls for it (i.e. in a sauce!)
- Rice method: add water and orzo (or broth) to a pot in a 2:1 ratio, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until all of the liquid cooks off. No need to drain!
- Soup method: this method will requiring following a soup recipe to know when to add the orzo, but the orzo will essentially cook and thicken up right in your soup broth with the rest of the ingredients.
Delicious ways to use orzo
I, of course, included 8 of the best orzo recipes below, and these recipes will show you that orzo is absolutely delicious in:
- Creamy one pan meals
- Cold, fresh salads (hello, pasta salad season!)
- Thick & delicious soups
- Warm, protein & veggie-packed pasta dishes
Use orzo as you would with rice, pearl couscous, or your favorite dishes that call for short grain pasta. Trust me — you’ll fall in love with this grain!
One Pan Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
Cozy one pan tomato basil baked orzo made with gorgeous burst cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and layers of mozzarella cheese. This easy baked orzo recipe is wonderful on its own and delicious with your fav proteins mixed right in. Kid-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights!
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Orzo & Creamy Feta Yogurt Sauce
Delicious Greek turkey meatballs with lemon orzo, tender veggies, and a creamy feta yogurt sauce. These healthy baked Greek turkey meatballs are filled with tons of wonderful herbs and make the perfect protein-packed weeknight meal!
Zucchini & Sausage Baked Orzo with Hot Honey & Feta
Comforting zucchini and sausage baked orzo packed with a rainbow of veggies and plenty of melty cheese. This one pan sausage baked orzo recipe is easy to make and customize, and is made extra delicious with a drizzle of hot honey. The perfect nourishing and cozy weeknight meal!
Herby Olive Italian Orzo Salad
Beautiful herby Italian orzo salad filled with crunchy veggies, savory olives and delicious feta crumbles. Everything gets tossed in a light homemade Italian dressing for the perfect summer lunch or dinner that’s easy to customize. Bring this fresh Italian orzo salad to your next BBQ!
Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs
Deliciously creamy orzo tomato soup with protein-packed mini turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful coconut milk tomato broth. This satisfying, healthy turkey meatball tomato orzo soup packs in protein & veggies from spinach and carrots and is delicious with a touch of basil pesto!
30 Minute Brown Butter Goat Cheese Grilled Veggie Orzo
Delicious 30 minute grilled vegetable orzo with rich brown butter and creamy goat cheese. This easy and flavorful veggie orzo recipe is the perfect way to use up fresh summer produce! Enjoy as-is or with your favorite proteins for a wonderful weeknight dinner or lunch.
Spinach Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Crispy Bacon
Easy, flavorful spinach garlic parmesan orzo pasta with crispy bacon and gorgeous veggies like red bell pepper, corn, carrots, and spinach. This creamy garlic parmesan orzo recipe comes together in 30-minutes, is the perfect meal prep dinner, and is delicious hot or cold!
One Pan Baked Pesto Orzo with Chicken Meatballs
Delicious melt-in-your-mouth pesto chicken meatballs made with shredded zucchini for a boost of nutrition. Paired alongside an incredible creamy pesto orzo with vitamin D packed mushrooms and brightness from lemon! Get your veggies and nutrition in, all while having a comforting well-rounded meal.
Herby Chickpea and Feta Pasta Salad
Beautiful herby chickpea and feta pasta salad, AKA the viral “Jennifer Aniston” salad made with pasta! This easy salad is packed with veggies and delicious mix-ins like feta, pistachios, pickled red onions, and tons of fresh herbs. Toss it all in a light lemon vinaigrette for the perfect lunch or dinner that takes just 20 minutes to make.
