Orzo Recipes

December 09, 2016
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Get creative with orzo in soups, salads, side dishes, and more. Orzo, a type of short-cut pasta, looks a lot like a grain. Orzo is delicious in pilaf or risotto-style dishes. It's also great on its own as a side, stirred into soups and stews, or as the base of a hearty dish. Because of its petite size, orzo is also quick-cooking, which makes it a great alternative to typical spaghetti for a fast weeknight dinner.
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Creative Cooking with Orzo

Credit: Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: Orzotto with Green and White Asparagus

Shaped liked a melon seed or a large grain of rice, orzo works well as a side dish and in soups, casseroles, and salads.

In our first risotto-style dish, Orzotto with Green and White Asparagus, orzo takes the place of Arborio rice, turning rich and creamy as it is stirred to doneness. Tender asparagus and fresh lemon zest add the welcome flavors of spring.

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Creamy Lemon Orzo with Peas and Shrimp

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Creamy Lemon Orzo with Peas and Shrimp

Time: 30 minutes

Mess-Free: Brown sugar and a high-heat roast get the carrots beautifully glazed and tender. To clean up, simply toss the foil.

Serve with Caramelized Baby Carrots

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Chicken and Orzo Skillet Dinner

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chicken and Orzo Skillet Dinner

This skillet dish is ready in under 40 minute and when paired with a simple side salad, makes for a delightful weeknight dinner.

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Trio of Orzo Side Dishes

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio

This trio of fresh sides comes together easily and pairs with a variety of main dishes. Our Orzo with Curried Cauliflower and Mint pairs great with grilled protein and can stand alone for a hot or cold lunch. Using the recipe as a base, add any vegetables of your choosing such as zucchini, onions, eggplant and fresh herbs to brighten your pasta salad. Toasted nuts are also a great addition and add a new texture. Orzo with Snap Peas, Cilantro, and Peanuts boasts quick sautéed sugar snap peas, earthy chopped cilantro, tangy rice vinegar, and buttery peanuts. Add shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp with lemon to make this dish a one-pot meal. Finally, in our Orzo with Crispy Pancetta and Chives, whole-wheat orzo soaks up the salty and buttery flavor of sautéed pancetta. Pair with grilled fish.

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Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the flavor of the Mediterranean with plump shrimp tossed with lemon and pepper. Serve over parsley orzo with sautéed asparagus for a fine accompaniment and complete dish.

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Orzo with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio
View Recipe: Orzo with Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

In this quick side, a dressing of parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, tarragon, and thyme infuses Mediterranean flavor into whole-wheat orzo. Brighten this dish with the addition of fresh herbs and add any other herbs you like besides thyme and tarragon such as a basil and parsley. You can make this herb vinaigrette and keep it in your fridge to drizzle over salads, add to marinades and grilled protein. Orzo pasta salad can be served warm or cold making it the perfect picnic side dish.

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Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

This tasty and colorful orzo salad gets a spicy kick from its buttermilk dressing which includes chili powder and ground red pepper.

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Kritharoto (Orzo Pasta) with Peas, Lemon, and Feta

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Kritharoto (Orzo Pasta) with Peas, Lemon, and Feta

Chervil is a much-loved herb in Greece, where it's called myronia. If unavailable, substitute 7 tablespoons fresh parsley plus 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon. You can also sub 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for Maras. Serves 6 as a main course or 12 as a meze.

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Orzo Salad with Radish and Fennel

Credit: Photo: Francesco Tonelli
View Recipe: Orzo Salad with Radish and Fennel

Lemony dressing and fresh mint add vibrant flavor to this pasta salad. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and garnish with pretty mint leaves for presentation.

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Lemon-Orange Orzo

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Lemon-Orange Orzo

Try this healthy, whole-wheat orzo dish. Parsley and grated lemon and orange rind give it a fresh, zesty flavor.

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Chicken and White Bean Soup

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chicken and White Bean Soup

Cannellini beans, native to Tuscany, work beautifully in this rustic soup because they hold their shape after simmering in the flavorful broth. In addition, the orzo pasta absorbs all of the right flavors of this warming dish.

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Orzo Salad with Chicken and Radishes

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Orzo Salad with Chicken and Radishes

Because the lemon and basil flavors become even more vibrant with some time to marinate together, this five-ingredient salad makes the perfect to-go lunch. Pack it up the night before, and skip the cafeteria for a bright and luscious midday meal.

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Herb-Crusted Chicken and Parsley Orzo

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken and Parsley Orzo

At only 342 calories per serving for both the chicken and orzo, this complete dish is an ideal, healthy (and tasty) choice to serve to family and friends.

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Italian Turkey and Orzo Soup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Italian Turkey and Orzo Soup

Time: 35 minutes

Prep Tip: Roasting the grapes concentrates sweetness and releases juices. Make sure to add any juices from the pan to the salad.

Serve with Roasted Grape and Feta Salad: Preheat oven to 450°. Combine 1½ cups seedless red grapes, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes; let stand 5 minutes. Place grapes, ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 3 ounces arugula in a large bowl; toss. Sprinkle with 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese (about ¼ cup). SERVES 4 (serving size: 1 cup); CALORIES 145; FAT 9.9g (sat 2g); SODIUM 207mg

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Lemony Orzo-Veggie Salad with Chicken

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Lemony Orzo-Veggie Salad with Chicken

This quick and easy orzo-based salad is made from fresh ingredients and boasts of full flavors and rich textures.

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Eggplant Parmesan with Parsley Orzo

Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese
View Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan with Parsley Orzo

Removing intermittent strips of eggplant skin not only makes this dish easier to cut and eat but also retains some of the great flavor that's in the peel.

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Chicken Orzo Soup

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chicken Orzo Soup

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of hearty chicken soup. Pair with a sandwich for a simple, comforting dinner option.

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Seared Salmon Fillets with Orzo Pilaf

Credit: Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Seared Salmon Fillets with Orzo Pilaf

Time: 30 minutes.

Technique Tip: Toasting the uncooked orzo first helps the pasta retain its texture.

Serve with Garlic Broccolini: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil; swirl to coat. Add 1 pound Broccolini, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; sauté 2 minutes. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves; sauté 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water to pan; cover and cook 2 minutes or until Broccolini is crisp-tender. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. CALORIES 81; FAT 3.4g (sat 0.5g); SODIUM 181mg

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Herbes de Provence Lamb Chops with Orzo

Credit: Photo: Beau Gustafson
View Recipe: Herbes de Provence Lamb Chops with Orzo

Try your hand at a little French cuisine in the comforts of your own home, with this lamb chop and orzo recipe. Garnish each plate with a lemon wedge and thyme sprig, and pair with a glass of fruity red wine to create a Provençal menu.

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Orzo with Pecorino and Mushrooms

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Orzo with Pecorino and Mushrooms

Ready in just two simple steps, this orzo side is a great additional to a variety of meat-based main dishes. Try one of our variations: Orzo with Garlicky Spinach, Orzo with Tarragon and Peas, or Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil.

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Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Credit: Photo: Beau Gustafson
View Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick salad may be low in calories, but it’s great in taste! Tip: shorter pastas like orzo generally cook faster than the longer varieties, so keep a close watch as you cook to avoid an unwanted texture.

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Shrimp Marinara Soup with Crumbled Feta

Credit: Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Shrimp Marinara Soup with Crumbled Feta

Time: 25 minutes

Simple Sub: Use red wine vinegar in place of lemon juice in the salad dressing.

Serve with Simple Salad with Lemon Dressing: Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 6 cups mixed greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes; toss to coat. CALORIES 71; FAT 5.2g (sat 0.7g); SODIUM 98mg

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Chicken Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chicken Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese

This delicious salad is ready in a snap thanks to rotisserie chicken and a four-ingredient vinaigrette. Leftover salad is also good the next day for lunch; stir in a handful of arugula to add a fresh touch, if you have extra on hand. Serve with pita wedges.

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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Chicken noodle soup is probably the top comfort food of all time. This recipe requires time and dedication since you'll need to start a day ahead to prepare the tasty homemade broth, but its nutritional value and great taste make it worth the extra work.

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Sautéed Flounder and Spicy Rémoulade

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry/Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Sautéed Flounder and Spicy Rémoulade

Flounder is a sustainable choice for dinner and is best served with rémoulade and a side of parsley orzo.

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Chickpea and Orzo Dinner Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chickpea and Orzo Dinner Salad

An easy four-ingredient dressing brings bright flavor to a dinner salad packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and feta cheese.

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Pan-Grilled Snapper with Orzo Pasta Salad

Credit: Photo: Beau Gustafson
View Recipe: Pan-Grilled Snapper with Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo cooks quickly and soaks up flavor from the vinaigrette. Double the vinaigrette and spoon some over the top of the fish for even more flavor, if you like.

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Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo

Serve this easy but impressive meal with a green salad, garlic bread, and a crisp white wine. Tip: Sear the scallops while the orzo cooks to save time and ensure the dish stays warm until mealtime.

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Quick Avgolemono, Orzo, and Chicken Soup

View Recipe: Quick Avgolemono, Orzo, and Chicken Soup

Avgolemono (ahv-goh-LEH-moh-noh) is a tangy Greek chicken soup that combines chicken broth, eggs, and lemon juice. Traditional versions include rice; our interpretation uses orzo for a unique twist.

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Orzo, Corn, and Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

Credit: Photo: Tina Cornett
View Recipe: Orzo, Corn, and Roasted Bell Pepper Salad

Grilling the vegetables lends this pasta salad a pleasant, smoky flavor. You can prepare and chill it up to a day ahead. To save time, drain and chop a seven-ounce jar of roasted red bell peppers. Slide a skewer or toothpick through the red onion to hold them together as they cook.

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Pasta Risotto with Fennel

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Pasta Risotto with Fennel

The entire fennel plant is used in this recipe, so purchase one with fresh-looking fronds. The bulb adds flavor, while the feathery green fronds finish the dish. The wine is added with a broth to keep more of the wine flavor and balance the licorice hint from the fennel.

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Shrimp and Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Romano Cheese

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Shrimp and Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Romano Cheese

This 5-star shrimp and orzo recipe has simple ingredients, but it is full of flavor. Parmesan cheese works in this dish, too, if you don't have pecorino Romano on hand. Serve leftovers as a great cold pasta salad for lunch.

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