These amazing orzo recipes—including orzo salads, soups and skillet dinners—are sure to make this pasta your new go-to.
37 Recipes That’ll Make Orzo Your New Favorite Pasta
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Orzo-Stuffed Peppers
Packed with orzo, Italian sausage and summer flavors, these stuffed peppers make a fun, fast-fixing meal. Get colorful with green, orange, red or yellow peppers. Use more or less pepper flakes to adjust the level of heat to your liking! —Kelly Evans, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Lemon Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Though it might look like rice, orzo is a pastina, a tiny pasta that can be served alone or used in soups and salads. Check what exactly is Orzo.
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Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
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Mediterranean Shrimp Salad in a Jar
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Greek salad to go is packed with so much freshness, it instantly brightens up your day. Just layer it all in a jar and pack it up—then serve and enjoy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 548 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1287mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
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Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a dish that’s light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies…for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia. If you like this, you must try Ina Garten’s chicken in a pot with orzo recipe.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Orzo with Spinach
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 271 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Farmers Market Orzo Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 291 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Spinach-Orzo Salad with Chickpeas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first version of this salad was an experiment in mixing together some random ingredients I had on hand. It was a success, and several people at the party asked for the recipe—which meant I had to re-create it! It's healthy, delicious and perfect for warm-weather days. —Glen White, Kissimmee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 223 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Pressure-Cooker Italian Shrimp ‘n’ Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Pressure cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 418 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
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Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies—or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 392 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 359 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Lemon-Olive Chicken with Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick skillet recipe is a healthy all-in-one meal. I just add a tossed salad for a menu the entire family loves. —Nancy Brown, Dahinda, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
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Sausage Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light dish is perfect for any night of the week, and it looks as good as it tastes! If you have leftover sauteed mushrooms or other vegetables, toss them in as well. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Dill Chicken Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 198 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
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Pork and Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 340 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a perfect one-skillet supper that’s colorful, healthy, filling and definitely special! Our taste testers loved the blend of spices, the touch of heat and the sophisticated flavor. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Italian Chicken Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying soup gets its Italian flair from fennel, thyme, basil and orzo pasta. If you don’t start with a low-sodium or sodium-free stock, you might want to decrease the amount of salt called for in the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 279 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 829mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A splash of lemon and a shower of chopped parsley make this orzo one of my family's most requested springtime sides. It's fantastic with chicken, pork and fish, or you can eat it on its own as a light lunch. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 191 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Shrimp Orzo with Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
23/36
Summertime Orzo & Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy-as-can-be main dish is likely to become a summer staple at your house. It’s that good! If you prefer, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking in a skillet. —Fran MacMillan, West Melbourne, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 320 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 742mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Greek-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a truckload of acorn squash in my pantry, I wanted to make stuffed squash in lots of different ways. A bottle of Greek seasoning got my creativity flowing. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 335 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
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Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida. Next, try these quick farfalle recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Greek Orzo Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On hot days, I pull out this recipe for a cool supper. The lemon dressing is so refreshing. If you have it, use grilled chicken. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 397 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 10g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
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Roasted Veggie Orzo
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister inspired this recipe. I added a few more spices, but the concept is hers. It’s easy to vary, is a great way to add veggies to your diet and the olive oil is heart healthy. —Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Loaded with veggies and shrimp, this crowd-pleaser is a tasty change from standard pasta salads. —Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 397 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy cold pasta salads and rice salads, so I decided to make one with orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. Feel free to add other favorite veggies—like asparagus and green beans—and serve with rolls or pita bread. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
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Lemon Mushroom Orzo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled, and other times we enjoy it hot.
It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from the pecans.
—Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 225 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Grecian Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The caper, tomato and olive flavors will whisk you away to the Greek isles. This easy skillet dish is perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I have shared this salad many times with the teachers at my school. They enjoy it so much that they ask me to bring it in. It’s best to put the tomatoes on the salad just before serving so they won’t wilt from the heat and moisture. In my opinion, the dish would not be as delectable if you substitute another vinegar for the balsamic vinegar. —Kate Whitehead, Lindenhurst, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 313 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
35/36
White Bean Soup with Escarole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Vegetables that are in season make great additions to this orzo salad. It's the perfect side dish for a picnic, it can easily be doubled for a crowd, or you can add grilled chicken to make it a filling entree. —Danielle Miller, Westfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 260 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
