Orzo Pasta

Triticum durum Pasta/Grain

Orzo Pasta Pasta/Grain

At a Glance

  • Category Pasta/Grain

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.

Cooking Time Approx. 8-10 minutes
Global Pasta Consumption (2022) Approx. 16 million metric tons
Primary Ingredient Durum Wheat Semolina

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Orzo Pasta are:

Neutral Starchy

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.

Best Substitutes

Arborio Rice

for risotto-like dishes
Ratio 1:1

Ditalini Pasta

different shape
Ratio 1:1

Israeli Couscous

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

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

Recipes Using Orzo Pasta

Cuisine Preparation Main Dish Lamb Sheep

Aegean Lamb With Orzo

Experience the taste of the Aegean with this slow-cooked lamb recipe! Tender lamb infused with oregano and lemon, served over fluffy orzo pasta and wilted spinach. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal. This recipe simplifies the classic Aegean flavors, making it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

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Time To Make Weeknight Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

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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Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make 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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Dietary Oven Pasta Rice And Grains One Dish Meal

Aegean Eggplant Aubergine Tomato Orzo Casserole

A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean casserole! This Aegean Eggplant & Tomato Orzo Casserole combines tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy orzo pasta in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible taste. Skip the peeling for extra rustic charm, or peel for a smoother texture – it’s your call!

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Time To Make Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Artichokes Lamb And Orzo Avgolemono

A delightful fusion of Greek flavors! This Artichokes, Lamb, and Orzo Avgolemono recipe combines tender lamb, hearts of artichoke, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a creamy, lemony avgolemono sauce. A comforting and elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Preparation Long Grain Rice Dietary Low In Something

Bacon Shallot Rice Pilaf

Crispy bacon and sweet shallots elevate this easy orzo pilaf to a sensational side dish! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying rice pilaf.

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Asparagus Stove Top Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables

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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Occasion Main Ingredient Dinner Party Occasion

Baked Tomatoes With Orzo And Olives

This vibrant recipe elevates simple baked tomatoes into a Mediterranean masterpiece! Bursting with flavor, these juicy tomatoes are stuffed with a delightful orzo, olive, and feta filling, then baked to perfection. A quick and easy weeknight meal or stunning appetizer, this dish is sure to impress.

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Equipment Crock Pot Slow Cooker Preparation

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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30 Minutes Or Less Low Saturated Fat Long Grain Rice Side Dishes

Beef Orzo And Rice

Quick & Easy Beef Orzo and Rice - Ready in under 30 minutes! This satisfying one-pan meal combines tender beef, fluffy rice, and orzo pasta in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Main Dish Vegetables Main Ingredient Time To Make

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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Pasta Pasta Course Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Time To Make Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Easy

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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Chicken Pasta Rice And Grains Meat Poultry

Algerian Tli Tli B Djedj Pasta With Chicken

Discover the authentic flavors of Algeria with this family-recipe for Tli Tli B Djedj! This comforting chicken and pasta dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked tiny pasta. Traditionally made with homemade pasta or orzo, this recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite small pasta shape, like stars or shells. Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures with our step-by-step guide. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Low Cholesterol Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Salads

Basil Mint Orzo Salad

This vibrant Basil Mint Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish! Inspired by FoodNetwork.com, this recipe features perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed with a zesty lemon-honey vinaigrette, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and fragrant mint. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner.

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Shrimp Equipment Saltwater Fish Preparation

Baked Seafood Orzo And Feta Cheese Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Baked Seafood Orzo & Feta Cheese Casserole is a delightful one-pan meal! Tender orzo pasta is tossed with succulent halibut and shrimp, vibrant tomatoes, and salty feta, then baked to bubbly perfection. Serve alongside a refreshing cabbage salad with creamy dill dressing for a complete and unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Cheese Occasion Course Cheese

Baked Orzo With Peppers And Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This baked orzo casserole is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese. Sweet peppers and spicy chilies add a vibrant kick, while a bubbly parmesan and sour cream topping creates irresistible golden perfection. A surprisingly easy and elegant side dish (or light main course!) ready in under 45 minutes.

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Seafood Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less

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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