Pasta/Grain |

Orzo Pasta

Triticum durum Allergen-Free
orzo pasta

The Forktionary Angle

"Master the many culinary uses of Orzo Pasta."

Definition

A small, rice-shaped pasta made from durum wheat semolina, versatile for use in soups, salads, casseroles, and as a side dish.

Technical Metrics

Cooking Time

Approx. 8-10 minutes

Global Pasta Consumption (2022)

Approx. 16 million metric tons

Primary Ingredient

Durum Wheat Semolina

Chef’s Secret

Toast dry orzo in a little olive oil before boiling to impart a deeper, nuttier flavor, especially for pilafs or side dishes.

Buying Guide

Look for 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Flavor Pairings

Lemon Herbs (parsley dill) Feta Cheese Chicken Seafood Tomatoes Spinach

Recipes Using Orzo Pasta

Holiday Event Pasta Vegetarian Preparation

Alexander's Orzo And Wild Rice Salad

A vibrant and flavorful orzo and wild rice salad, perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. This recipe boasts a zesty lemon-herb dressing that complements the nutty wild rice and tender orzo. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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4 Hours Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make Lamb Sheep

Arni Youvetsi Lamb And Orzo

Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this Arni Youvetsi recipe! This comforting, traditional Sunday lunch dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with orzo pasta in a luscious tomato-based sauce. The orzo absorbs the delicious lamb juices, creating a truly unforgettable taste. Easily adaptable, you can substitute the lamb with beef or chicken for a similar hearty experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal!

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Vegetables Nuts Salads Poultry

Asian Chicken Orzo Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired pasta salad perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a light weeknight meal. This recipe, inspired by Paula Deen, features tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Seasonal Brunch Stove Top Easy

Asparagus Orzo Soup

Chase away the winter blues with this vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Orzo Soup! This light yet satisfying springtime recipe is bursting with fresh asparagus, tender orzo pasta, and bright spinach. Easy to make in under 40 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal or a delightful light lunch. Get ready for a taste of spring!

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Time To Make Oven Poultry Seasonal

Baked Chicken And Garlic Orzo

This irresistible one-pan Baked Chicken and Garlic Orzo is a delicious and easy weeknight meal! A flavorful twist on classic chicken and rice, this recipe features tender chicken breasts baked alongside fluffy orzo pasta in a rich garlic and herb sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this complete meal requires minimal cleanup – just one pan! Impress your family with this simple yet elegant dish.

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Course Casseroles Time To Make Main Ingredient

Baked Orzo And Parmesan Cheese

Say goodbye to boring rice! This creamy, cheesy baked orzo is a delightful side dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, this recipe elevates simple orzo pasta into a comforting and flavorful experience. Packed with parmesan and herbs, it's the ultimate rice alternative!

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Time To Make Time To Make Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Orzo With Butternut Squash And Mushrooms

This cozy, comforting baked orzo recipe is a revelation! Perfectly roasted butternut squash and earthy mushrooms mingle with tender orzo pasta in a rich, savory broth. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Time To Make Side Dishes Time To Make Main Ingredient

Baked Orzo With Fontina And Peas

Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, this creamy baked orzo pasta dish is a comforting and flavorful masterpiece! Tender orzo pasta is baked with creamy fontina cheese, sweet peas, and a savory mushroom and marsala wine sauce. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's the perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion side dish. Get ready for a taste of Italy!

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Low Fat Low Carb Easy Low Calorie

Baked Shrimp With Feta

This vibrant Baked Shrimp with Feta recipe, inspired by Cooking Light (April 2009), is a low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein delight! Tender shrimp are baked to perfection with a zesty lemon-herb sauce and creamy feta cheese. Pair it with our suggested herbed orzo for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a light and flavorful weekend treat. Prepare to impress your taste buds!

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Low Carb North American Dietary Main Dish

Baked Tomatoes Stuffed With Orzo

Juicy baked tomatoes are perfectly stuffed with creamy orzo pasta, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant herbs. This 30-minute recipe is a delightful vegetarian main course or side dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions and bursting with flavor!

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Main Ingredient Tomatoes Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Tomatoes With Basil Orzo

This vibrant Mediterranean recipe features juicy baked tomatoes filled with a creamy basil orzo. A light yet satisfying supper, perfect for a warm evening. Easily customizable – substitute yellow or green bell peppers for the tomatoes (simply cut off tops and seed; omit the salting step). Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors!

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Time To Make Beef Dietary Weeknight

Balsamic Braised Pot Roast

Indulge in this decadent Balsamic Braised Pot Roast, a culinary masterpiece that will melt in your mouth! Tender pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich balsamic-infused sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is adapted from a family favorite, elevated with precise instructions for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

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One Dish Meal Low Calorie Low Carb Comfort Food

Barb's Hearty Beef And Vegetable Soup

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, this hearty beef and vegetable soup is bursting with flavor and packed with goodness! Loaded with 10+ vegetables and tender beef, it's the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a chilly evening or using up leftover veggies, this soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Healthy 60 Minutes Or Less Shellfish

Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Shrimp And Orzo

Ina Garten's unbelievably easy and flavorful roasted shrimp and orzo pasta recipe! This 35-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant lemon-herb flavors combine for a dish that's both satisfying and elegant. Get ready to impress!

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Main Dish Course Main Dish Shellfish

Basil Shrimp With Feta And Orzo

This light and flavorful Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo recipe, inspired by Cooking Light, is a weeknight winner! Enjoy juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, creamy feta, and fresh basil in a single foil packet—minimal cleanup required! Ready in under an hour, it's the perfect healthy and delicious meal for a busy week.

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Low Protein Eggs Dairy Time To Make Occasion

Basil Zucchini Orzo Salad

This vibrant Basil Zucchini Orzo Salad is a summer sensation! A light and flavorful dish bursting with fresh basil, tender zucchini, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect as a refreshing salad or a warm side dish. Get ready for a taste of summer in every bite!

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One Dish Meal Low In Something Meat Course

Beef Orzo Mediterranean Style

This 35-minute skillet supper is your new weeknight hero! Enjoy tender ground beef, fluffy orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Easy enough for busy nights, yet delicious enough to impress – ditch the takeout and embrace this flavorful, satisfying meal.

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Preparation Soups Stews Course

Tasty Chicken Fennel Soup In A Crock Pot

Warm up your autumn evenings with this hearty and flavorful Crock-Pot Chicken Fennel Soup! This thick, stew-like soup is bursting with the tastes of fall – fennel, carrots, apples, and tender chicken simmered to perfection. Easily customizable to your liking, it's the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Perfect for meal prepping and a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.

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