15 Delicious Orzo Pasta Recipes

Orzo—shaped like large grains of rice—makes for a versatile pasta that can shine in soups, salads, and one-pot meals. Its quick cooking time and ability to soak up flavors make orzo perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Ready to explore new ways to enjoy this petite pasta? Here are 15 delicious orzo pasta recipes to inspire your next meal!

1. Lemon Garlic Orzo with Shrimp

This Lemon Garlic Orzo with Shrimp is light, zesty, and full of protein. The bright lemon and garlic flavors pair perfectly with tender shrimp and delicate orzo.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. Zest and juice of 1 lemon
6. 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Sauté shrimp with minced garlic for 2–3 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque.
3. Stir in cooked orzo, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with chopped parsley and serve warm.

2. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Loaded with fresh veggies, olives, and feta, this Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a refreshing, colorful dish ideal for potlucks or meal prep.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1 cup cucumber, diced
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
5. 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
6. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
7. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta (if using).
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad; toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Creamy Spinach and Orzo

For a comforting, cheesy meal, Creamy Spinach and Orzo combines tender pasta with wilted spinach in a light, velvety sauce.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 cup milk (or half-and-half)
6. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (or more to taste)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant (~1 minute). Add spinach; cook until wilted.
3. Pour in milk and stir in Parmesan; let the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Add cooked orzo; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

4. One-Pot Chicken and Orzo

A single-skillet favorite, One-Pot Chicken and Orzo bring together tender chicken, veggies, and orzo in a savory broth—ideal for quick weeknights.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
5. 2 cups chicken broth
6. 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, spinach)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a deep skillet, sauté chicken and onion in olive oil until chicken is browned. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
3. Simmer ~10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender, adding veggies halfway through.
4. Fluff gently before serving.

5. Orzo Stuffed Peppers

Replace traditional rice with orzo in these Orzo Stuffed Peppers—a fun, colorful way to serve pasta for dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
2. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
3. 1/2 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef (optional)
4. 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
5. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
6. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook orzo until al dente; drain.
2. If using ground meat, brown in a skillet; season. Stir in orzo and tomato sauce.
3. Fill peppers with the orzo mixture; place in a baking dish. Top with cheese if desired.
4. Bake for ~20 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

6. Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup is a bright, comforting bowl featuring tender chicken, fresh lemon, and herbs—like a warm hug in a bowl.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 1 carrot, sliced
4. 1 stalk celery, sliced
5. 1 pound chicken breast, diced
6. 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if possible)
7. 1/2 cup orzo (uncooked)
8. Juice of 1 lemon
9. Salt, pepper, and herbs (dill or thyme) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in oil until softened. Add diced chicken; brown slightly.
2. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo.
3. Simmer ~10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked.
4. Stir in lemon juice and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Orzo with Shrimp and Feta (Greek-inspired)

Borrowing flavors from Greek cuisine, Orzo with Shrimp and Feta combines succulent shrimp, tangy feta, tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean flair.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4. 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (low-sodium)
5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
6. 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
7. Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (optional) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to directions; drain.
2. In a skillet, sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink. Add tomatoes and oregano.
3. Stir in orzo; season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
4. Top with crumbled feta and serve warm.

8. Orzo Primavera

Light yet satisfying, Orzo Primavera is loaded with spring vegetables (asparagus, peas, carrots) and a simple sauce—welcome any time of year.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
3. 1 cup chopped spring veggies (asparagus, peas, carrots)
4. 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo as per package instructions; drain.
2. Sauté veggies in butter/oil until tender, adding broth if needed.
3. Stir in cooked orzo; season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with Parmesan if desired.

9. Italian Sausage and Orzo Skillet

Hearty Italian Sausage and Orzo come together in one skillet, infused with flavorful herbs, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
2. 1/2 onion, chopped
3. 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
4. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
5. 2 cups broth (chicken or veggie)
6. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
7. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown sausage with onion in a skillet; drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, and orzo. Season.
3. Simmer for ~10–12 minutes, until the orzo is tender. Add more liquid if needed.
4. Top with cheese, if using, and let melt before serving.

10. Orzo Pesto Salad

Enjoy a burst of basil freshness in this Orzo Pesto Salad, perfect for a picnic side dish or light lunch.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1/4 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced mozzarella (optional)
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to directions; drain and cool slightly.
2. Toss with pesto, tomatoes, and optional mozzarella.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

11. Orzo and Mushroom “Risotto”

Create a creamy risotto-like dish without arborio rice. This Orzo and Mushroom “Risotto” is simpler yet equally comforting.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
5. 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
6. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
7. Salt, pepper, thyme to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté onion and mushrooms in oil until browned.
2. Stir in orzo; add broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, ~10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme. Serve immediately.

12. Baked Orzo with Chicken and Feta

This Baked Orzo casserole layers chicken, tomatoes, orzo, and feta for a fuss-free meal—bake it all in one dish!

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30–35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
5. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
6. 2 cups chicken broth
7. 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
8. Salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In an oven-safe skillet, sauté chicken and onion until chicken is lightly browned.
2. Add tomatoes, orzo, broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir.
3. Top with feta and transfer skillet to oven.
4. Bake ~20–25 minutes until the orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.

13. Orzo and Sausage Soup

Cozy up with Orzo and Sausage Soup, featuring savory sausage, veggies, and tender pasta in a lightly spiced broth.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~30 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 carrots, sliced
4. 6 cups chicken broth
5. 3/4 cup orzo (uncooked)
6. Salt, pepper, and herbs (basil, parsley) to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown sausage in a pot; add onion and carrots, and sauté until softened.
2. Pour in broth; bring to a boil.
3. Stir in orzo; cook ~10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.

14. Orzo Primavera Bake

Similar to a pasta casserole, this Orzo Primavera Bake is layered with spring veggies, light sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 2 cups mixed spring veggies (e.g., asparagus, peas, carrots)
3. 1/2 cup low-fat milk (or half-and-half)
4. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone)
5. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook orzo until al dente; drain.
2. In a baking dish, combine orzo, veggies, milk, and seasoning.
3. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Bake ~15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

15. Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad

Light, tangy, and protein-packed, this Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad is great for lunches or a quick dinner side.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
2. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3. 1 cup diced cucumber or zucchini
4. Juice and zest of 1 lemon
5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
6. Salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a bowl, toss orzo, chickpeas, cucumber, and lemon zest.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad; garnish with parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.