Orzo is the perfect canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand. Extremely quick to cook, the rice-shaped pasta absorbs flavors nicely, making it a great base for everything from make-ahead pasta salads to one-pot bakes. Here’s a roundup of recipes that have us convinced that orzo should be your new pantry favorite!
Lemony Orzo with Asparagus and Garlic Bread Crumbs
Asparagus, dill, and lemon combine for a verdant crunch that goes beautifully with filling orzo and crumbly breadcrumbs. This New York Times Cooking recipe calls for chopping crisp herbs, mixing in the orzo, and serving it up for a hearty plate that’s as nice to look at as it is to dig into. For a flavor boost, try boiling the orzo in broth instead of water.
Easiest One-Pan Caprese Pesto Orzo Bake
All you need to do for this Half-Baked Harvest dish is mix and bake. Just stir up the orzo and basil pesto with roasted tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and olive oil—all topped with melty mozzarella—for a warm and gooey casserole you’ll be dipping crusty Italian bread into all night long!
Orzotto with Pancetta and Peas
This risotto-style dish from BBC Good Food swaps orzo in for rice to produce a wonderful texture in record time. Crisping the pancetta in oil before adding it to the pasta mixture punches up the lightness of the peas and basil, making for a satisfying yet quick weeknight dinner you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation.
One-Skillet Chicken with Buttery Orzo
Your weeknight roast chicken just got simpler but more elegant! This lemony chicken with orzo from Bon Appétit bakes in the oven, giving the pasta time to soak up all of the buttery fennel. Sit back, enjoy a glass of wine, and prep for an exceptional one-pot dinner.
Greek Orzo Salad
Kalamata olives and feta cheese give this pasta salad from Love & Lemons briny tang! Orzo adds heft to this Greek classic, making it main-dish-worthy. And we like that it holds its shape, so it doesn’t get mushy like some pasta salads. You can make this ahead and plan to have enough for leftovers for lunch all week!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This comforting soup is an excellent transitional recipe taking us from winter to spring. Damn Delicious calls for lemon juice, tender chicken, and wholesome veggies for a bright and modern ode to the classic chicken noodle soup. Not to mention it will instantly fill your kitchen with the coziest smells!
Shrimp Scampi with Green Onions and Orzo
The ease of this 20-minute Bon Appétit recipe grants you a new weeknight favorite made from well-paired, easily accessible ingredients. Both the shrimp and the orzo cook quickly and nicely absorb the butter and white wine. Top with a handful of flavorful green onions and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful plate.
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