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

Sweet Holiday Event Salads Vegan

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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Meat Main Dish Kid Friendly Course

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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Romantic Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Dinner Party

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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Meat One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Winter

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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Casseroles Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta

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 Main Ingredient Course Preparation

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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Course Preparation Pasta Course

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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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make

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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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Low In Something

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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Main Dish Healthy Low In Something Dietary

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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Time To Make Preparation 4 Hours Or Less 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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Preparation Main Dish Course 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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Served Hot Presentation Low Cholesterol Meat

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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Seafood 60 Minutes Or Less Seafood Pasta

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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Seafood Main Dish Shrimp Course

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 Calorie Cheese Low Cholesterol Low Sodium

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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Italian Pasta Italian Main Dish

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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Soups Stews Crock Pot Slow Cooker Preparation Soups Stews

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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