Orzo Pasta Recipe
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and versatile pasta dish? This easy orzo pasta recipe is just what you need. Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, cooks in minutes and soaks up flavor beautifully, making it perfect for a simple side dish or a satisfying main course. Whether you serve it warm, cold, creamy, or brothy, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Packed with fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. You’ll love the balance of texture and taste in every bite. Let’s bring some orzo magic to your plate.
Ingredients Of Orzo Pasta Recipe
Why You Will Love This Orzo Pasta Recipe
This orzo pasta recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The orzo cooks quickly and absorbs the broth like risotto, giving it a creamy, rich texture. Lemon and Parmesan add brightness and umami, while garlic and onion build depth. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it as a side dish, enjoy it as a main, or toss in veggies or protein to make it your own. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it a meal-prep win.
Preparation Process Of Orzo Pasta Recipe
The recipe begins by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil for a flavorful base. Then, orzo is added and lightly toasted to enhance its nutty flavor. Broth is gradually stirred in as the orzo simmers, similar to risotto. Once tender and creamy, the dish is finished with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest, delivering a bright, savory finish. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Step By Step Instructions
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it, which enhances the flavor.
Simmer in Broth: Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
Add Flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve?
- As a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
- With roasted vegetables for a vegetarian main
- Chilled in a Mediterranean-style orzo salad
- With feta, cherry tomatoes, and olives
- As a creamy base for baked salmon or lamb
Tips & Variations
Swap Parmesan for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Add baby spinach or arugula for greens.
Use whole wheat orzo for a healthier version.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or pine nuts for extra flavor.
Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Nutrition
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Orzo Pasta Recipe
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes240
kcalThis easy orzo pasta recipe is a weeknight winner—quick, creamy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Toasted orzo simmers in broth for a risotto-like texture, while Parmesan, lemon juice, and fresh parsley add brightness and richness. Serve it as a hearty side or a light main dish. Customize with veggies, cheese, or protein for endless variations. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping lunch for the week, this recipe is delicious, simple, and sure to please every palate.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Toast the Orzo
- Stir in the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it, which enhances the flavor.
- Simmer in Broth
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
- Add Flavor
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth or water.
- This dish is best served fresh but also stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture.
FAQs
Conclusion
Orzo pasta is an underrated gem in the kitchen—easy to cook, endlessly versatile, and incredibly satisfying. This simple orzo pasta recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a base, or a main course, its comforting flavor and texture will win everyone over. Add your personal twist and enjoy the magic of orzo, one bite at a time.
