30+ Easy Orzo Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Orzo pasta recipes are my go-to when I need something quick and tasty! This tiny rice-shaped pasta packs big flavor in every bite.
I love how fast it cooks and how it soaks up all the yummy sauces. You can toss it in salads, mix it with cheese, add it to soups, or pair it with meat and seafood.
Orzo works in hot dishes and cold ones, too! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something that makes everyone smile.
Easy Orzo Salads
These fresh and zesty orzo salads are perfect for lunch boxes or summer picnics. You can make them ahead and enjoy all week!
Greek Orzo Salad
Mix in juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and black olives for a taste trip to Greece! I drizzle olive oil and lemon juice on top. My kids gobbled this up at our last backyard BBQ. It tastes even better the next day!
Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad
This protein-packed dish keeps me full all afternoon. The bright lemon flavor pops with each bite. Add some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zip. You’ll love how the chickpeas add a hearty crunch!
Caprese Orzo Salad
Fresh mozzarella balls, sweet cherry tomatoes, and basil make this a summer favorite. A splash of balsamic glaze takes it to the next level. I serve this when friends come over, and the bowl is always empty in minutes!
Pesto Orzo Salad
Bright green pesto coats every bit of pasta with herby goodness. Toss in some pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can eat it warm or cold. This is my go-to for potlucks!
Spring Orzo Salad with Peas and Lemon Vinaigrette
Sweet peas and a zippy lemon dressing make this the perfect spring dish. Add some mint leaves for a fresh twist. I make this when the first spring veggies hit the farmers’ market. It tastes like sunshine in a bowl!
Lemon Asparagus Orzo
Tender asparagus tips and bright lemon zest make this dish scream spring! It’s super easy and takes just 15 minutes to make. My vegan friends ask for this recipe all the time. You won’t miss the meat at all!
Rainbow Orzo Salad
Packed with colorful veggies, this eye-catching salad is a hit with kids. The sweet bell peppers and carrots add a nice crunch. You’ll love how pretty it looks on the table. I bring this to every school potluck!
Creamy & Cheesy Orzo Dishes
These rich, comforting orzo recipes are perfect for cozy nights in. They’re like a warm hug in a bowl!
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
This creamy side dish is better than any rice pilaf you’ve ever had! The garlic gets sweet as it cooks down. You can make it in just one pot. My family asks for this weekly with our chicken dinners.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Orzo
Meaty mushrooms and rich garlic cream sauce turn simple orzo into a fancy meal. It tastes like restaurant food but takes just a total of 40 minutes! I could eat this every day and never get tired of it.
Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo
This kid-friendly dish packs in veggies that even picky eaters love. The cheese sauce is so good you’ll want to lick the bowl! You can have dinner ready in 15 minutes flat. My toddler asks for thirds!
Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Orzo
This bubbly, cheesy dish is like lasagna but so much easier! The tomatoes burst in the oven, making a yummy sauce. You’ll love the crispy topping. I make this for Sunday dinner with a side salad.
Easiest One Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake
Fresh mozzarella gets all melty on top of pesto-coated orzo. The sweet tomatoes pop in your mouth. You just need one pan from start to finish! I dream about this dish when I’m away from home.
Creamy Tuscan Orzo
Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach swim in a rich cream sauce that coats every piece of pasta. It’s fancy enough for date night but easy enough for Tuesday. Your whole family will beg for seconds!
Orzo Mac and Cheese
This twist on the classic comfort food is ready in half the time! The tiny pasta holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly. You won’t go back to elbow macaroni after trying this. My kids think I’m a kitchen hero when I make this!
Orzo Pasta Soups
These hearty soups are perfect for cold days. The tiny orzo pasta soaks up all the yummy broth!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This bright, lemony soup is like chicken noodle’s fancy cousin! The orzo soaks up the tasty broth. You can make it when you’re feeling under the weather. I freeze portions for quick lunches all winter long.
Marry Me Sausage Orzo Soup
This soup is so good that it might just lead to a proposal! The spicy sausage gives amazing flavor to the broth. You’ll love how hearty it is without being heavy. I make a big pot on Sunday for lunches all week.
Turkey Orzo Soup
Turn your leftover turkey into this cozy soup that the whole family will love! The tiny pasta soaks up all the savory broth. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. I make this every year after Thanksgiving, and it’s always a hit!
Creamy White Bean Lemon Pesto Orzo Soup
This creamy soup gets protein from white beans and zip from lemon and pesto. It’s filling but not heavy. You can make it in just 20 minutes. I love this for lunch with a crusty bread roll!
Minestrone with Orzo
This veggie-packed soup uses orzo instead of the usual small pasta. It’s bursting with garden flavors. You can clean out your veggie drawer making this! My grandma would approve of this twist on her recipe.
Lemon Chickpea Orzo Soup
This bright and sunny soup warms you up from the inside out! The chickpeas add protein while the orzo makes it extra filling. You can squeeze fresh lemon on top for an extra zing. I make this when I need comfort food that won’t weigh me down!
Orzo Pasta Dishes with Meat
These hearty meat and orzo dishes will fill up hungry tummies. They’re perfect one-pot meals for busy nights!
One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Orzo
Juicy chicken thighs and garlicky orzo cook together in one pan for easy cleanup. The butter makes everything rich and yummy. You won’t believe how simple and delicious this fancy-tasting meal is!
Orzo Bolognese
This twist on the classic Italian meat sauce uses orzo instead of long pasta. The sauce clings to every grain of pasta. You can make it ahead and reheat it all week. My Italian neighbor gave this her seal of approval!
Greek Lamb Stew with Orzo
Tender lamb chunks fall apart into a rich tomato sauce dotted with orzo. The cinnamon adds a special warmth. You’ll feel like you’re eating in a Greek grandma’s kitchen. I make this for special Sunday dinners.
One Pot Spicy Pork Ragu with Orzo
This kick of heat from red pepper flakes wakes up your taste buds! The pork melts into the sauce as it cooks. You can dial the spice up or down. I crave this on cold winter nights with a glass of red wine.
Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Tomatoes
This light yet filling meal comes together in just 30 minutes! The lean turkey and fresh tomatoes keep it healthy. You won’t miss the beef at all. I make this when I want comfort food without the guilt.
Simple Sausage Orzo
The Italian sausage adds tons of flavor with zero extra work. Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. You can have dinner ready in 30 minutes flat. My busy weeknights got so much tastier with this recipe!
Orzo Pasta for Seafood Lovers
These seafood and orzo pairings make for fancy-feeling meals that are actually super easy to make!
Lemon Salmon Orzo Skillet
Flaky salmon and bright lemon make this a light yet filling meal. The orzo soaks up all the tasty pan juices. You only need one pan for the whole dish! I like that it’s healthy.
One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo
The jumbo shrimp cook in a garlicky butter sauce that flavors the orzo too. It looks fancy, but it takes just 30 minutes! You’ll feel like you’re at a beach restaurant. I make this when I want to treat myself on a weeknight.
Greek Shrimp and Orzo Pasta Bake
The feta cheese gets melty and golden on top of this tomato-y shrimp bake. The orzo cooks right in the sauce in the oven. Your kitchen will smell amazing as this bakes. I make this when I want to impress dinner guests without stress.
Pan Seared Scallops with Orzo Piccata
Sweet scallops sit on top of lemony, caper-dotted orzo for a fancy dinner. The butter sauce brings everything together. You’ll feel like a pro chef serving this beautiful meal. I save this for date nights at home.
Boursin Salmon Orzo
The creamy Boursin cheese melts into the orzo, making it rich and herb-y. The salmon adds a perfect protein boost. You can get this on the table in under 40 minutes! I splurge on wild salmon to make this extra special.
Final Thoughts
Orzo pasta has become my kitchen hero! It’s so quick to cook and fits into so many meals, from light salads to hearty soups.
I love how this tiny pasta soaks up flavors like a sponge. You can keep it simple with butter and cheese or dress it up with seafood for fancy dinners.
Have you tried orzo yet? I hope these recipes give you some new ideas for your dinner table!
The best part is how fast most of these dishes come together – perfect for busy nights when you still want something yummy.
What’s your favorite way to eat orzo? Try one of these recipes this week and let me know how it goes in the comments! I bet orzo will become your new pasta go-to, too!
