Orzo — not to be confused with rice — is a small cut pasta that makes for a wonderful base to many dishes. You may be seeing it on your TikTok FYP as of late, with many content creators loving the ingredient during the summer months. Like most pastas, it’s composed with semolina flour, but can be made with whole wheat flour, or even turned into a tri-color orzo (often elevated with tomato and spinach).
If you’re sick of doing the same old thing with pasta, then you should turn to these 19 orzo recipes that will absolutely upgrade your weeknight dinners. They're simple, delicious, and present next-to-no hassle in the kitchen —especially those one-pot options! Keep reading to find your new favorite meal!
Photo via Half-Baked Harvest
One Pot Cheesy Creamed Corn Orzo
A twist on the classic cheesy orzo, this one pot cheesy creamed corn orzo recipe from Half-Baked Harvest is a fun summer option that only takes around 25 minutes. (via Half-Baked Harvest)
Photo via The Real Food Dieticians
Greek Orzo Skillet With Chicken
If you’re looking for a higher protein recipe, this Greek orzo skillet with chicken via The Real Food Dieticians may be for you. It contains chicken, canned chickpeas, orzo, veggies, and feta for a flavor boost inspired by Greek-food! (via The Real Food Dieticians)
Photo via Barley & Sage
Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
If you’ve heard of broccoli cheddar soup, why not try a broccoli cheddar orzo? It’s a nostalgic dish—use a mixture of medium yellow cheddar and sharp white cheddar for optimal taste results! (via Barley & Sage)
Photo via Vikalinka
Creamy Orzo Pasta Primavera
Nothing says delish like a starchy pasta that can be ready in a flash. This creamy orzo pasta primavera uses vegetable stock, parmesan cheese, asparagus green peas, and spinach. Brighten and lighten it up with lemon zest and mint! (via Vikalinka)
Photo via Averie Cooks
Chicken Orzo Salad
This fresh chicken orzo salad features tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tasty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a poolside dinner with plenty of substitution options, like mushrooms and arugula! (via Averie Cooks)
Photo via The Girl On Bloor
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon and orzo are a dream combo, so why not make the flavors into a soup? The key in this lemon chicken orzo soup is the seasonings—garlic, turmeric, parsley, salt, pepper, and a bouquet garni (a blend of herbs that are tied together). (via The Girl On Bloor)
Photo via Earthly Provisions
Creamy Vegan Tomato Orzotto
Similar to risotto, this creamy vegan tomato orzotto is an elevated way to incorporate orzo. Snag a dry white wine to reduce in this recipe, like your favorite sauvignon blanc! (via Earthly Provisions)
Photo via Completely Delicious
One-Pot Shrimp and Pea Orzo
Big fan of seafood? Make this one-pot shrimp and pea orzo for a simple weeknight meal. Make sure to cook the orzo to ‘al dente’ before adding in the rest of the ingredients. (via Completely Delicious)
Photo via A Virtual Vegan
Baked Vegan Orzo
Don’t know what to do with orzo? Just add some vegan melted cheese for a twist on baked ziti. This baked vegan orzo can all be thrown in one pan and placed in the oven! (via A Virtual Vegan)
Photo via The Original Dish
Skirt Steak with Orzo Salad & Red Pepper Sauce
Orzo is actually a great side dish option, with this skirt steak with orzo salad & red pepper sauce recipe making the protein the star of the show. The orzo salad is tossed in a red wine vinegar and olive oil mixture with salt and pepper. (via The Original Dish)
Photo via Pink Owl Kitchen
One Pan Sage Butter Chicken And Orzo
Sage is one of the most underrated seasonings. This one pan sage butter chicken and orzo features chicken thighs cooking in a buttery orzo for the perfect dinner recipe! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Photo via Vanilla and Bean
Lemon Orzo Salad With Asparagus, Spinach And Feta
An orzo recipe that screams summer: lemon orzo salad with asparagus, spinach, and feta. The lemon packs a citrusy punch and crunch with toasted almonds. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Photo via Whole And Heavenly Oven
Pesto Zucchini Orzo With Charred Sweet Corn
Like any pasta, you can’t go wrong with a homemade pesto. Try out this pesto zucchini orzo with charred sweet corn for a smoky and fresh recipe to put on the dinner table. Add a side of your favorite grilled meat to complete the meal! (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)
Photo via Feel Good Foodie
Zucchini Orzo Soup
This zucchini orzo soup isn’t heavy but perfectly filling, and is vegetarian. Snag fresh veggies like zucchini, carrots, celery, and onion with orzo (if the pasta is made from semolina flour, even better!). (via Feel Good Foodie)
Photo via Two Peas & Their Pod
Caprese Orzo Salad
One of the easiest ways to upgrade the flavor of a recipe, is to make it caprese-inspired. A caprese orzo salad thrives with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Photo via The Fast Recipe
Simple Turkey Orzo Soup
Sick of chicken? Opt for this simple turkey orzo soup instead. It’s ideal for the winter months for its comforting nature, but can be made any time of the year. Add some bacon or pancetta for an ingredient twist! (via The Fast Recipe)
Photo via Bowl Of Delicious
One Pot Orzo with Mushrooms, Browned Butter, and Thyme
Brown butter and thyme offer an earthy flavor that cannot be beat. Make this one pot orzo with mushrooms, browned butter, and thyme for a savory dish that can be served as the main or side! (via Bowl Of Delicious)
Photo via Salt & Lavender
Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo
Ranch seasoning may seem like an unexpected flavor combination with orzo, but don’t knock it till you try this
chicken bacon ranch orzo. Snag a rotisserie chicken to add in a tender protein. (via Salt & Lavender)
Photo via Crowded Kitchen
Orzo Harvest Salad
The best kind of salad is filled with pasta. This orzo harvest salad is an ode to fall produce, with brussels sprouts and butternut squash thrown in the mix. It’s naturally vegan and can be gluten-free if you substitute the orzo with rice. (via Crowded Kitchen)
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