17 Orzo Recipes Bursting with Flavor and Variety

Orzo is one of those ingredients that can easily go from a refreshing chilled salad to a rich and hearty main dish. Its small, rice-like shape makes it perfect for soaking up sauces, dressings, and broths, giving each recipe a satisfying bite. This collection brings together a mix of bright Mediterranean flavors, creamy comfort foods, and easy weeknight options. From seafood to chicken to veggie-packed bowls, these dishes show just how much you can do with this little pasta.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

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Orzo is mixed with cucumbers, bell peppers, and Kalamata olives for a flavorful base. Feta cheese adds a tangy and creamy contrast. Olive oil and lemon juice form a simple dressing. Fresh oregano or parsley finishes the dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Image shows an overhead shot of Image shows in a white bowl and a black background. — Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender chicken is served alongside orzo mixed with colorful vegetables and briny olives. A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley bring an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying combination that comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

Baked Chicken and Orzo

A plate with baked chicken thigh and orzo pasta mixed with tomatoes, garnished with herbs, with a fork and knife beside. — Baked Chicken and Orzo. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken and orzo bake together in a seasoned broth, allowing the pasta to absorb all the rich flavors. Aromatic herbs and garlic add depth. The result is tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo. It’s a comforting and hearty one-pan dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Pesto Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on top. — Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Basil pesto coats the orzo with an herby, aromatic flavor. Cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of sweetness. Toasted pine nuts bring a nutty crunch. This salad works beautifully as a main or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features seasonal vegetables like zucchini, corn, and cherry tomatoes. A citrusy dressing keeps it lively and refreshing. Fresh basil or mint provides a delicate herbal note. The colors and flavors make it an appealing warm-weather dish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad

This versatile salad combines orzo with fresh vegetables and a simple dressing. Herbs like parsley or dill add freshness. It can be adapted to whatever produce is in season. Light and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

A plate of orzo pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken, garnished with parsley and lemon. Nearby are bell peppers, lemons, and a bowl of grated cheese on a red patterned cloth. — Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Chicken pieces are tossed with orzo in a light lemon sauce that adds brightness to every bite. Fresh spinach adds color and extra texture. Garlic gives the dish a warm, savory undertone. It’s a quick and flavorful option for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

A bowl of Mediterranean-style salad with orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red peppers, tuna, and a lemon wedge, garnished with basil. — Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Flaked tuna is combined with orzo, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light yet filling dish. Capers add a briny punch. A lemon and olive oil dressing keeps it bright. Fresh herbs bring the flavors together.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Tender chicken and broccoli florets are mixed into creamy, cheesy orzo. The sauce coats every bite, making it rich and satisfying. Garlic adds a savory depth. It’s comfort food with a simple ingredient list.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

This salad combines orzo with black beans, sweet corn, and diced peppers for a vibrant mix. A light vinaigrette ties everything together. Cilantro and lime juice add a fresh, zesty kick. It’s colorful and full of texture.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

This salad combines orzo with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and briny feta cheese. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice brings all the ingredients together. Fresh herbs add a fragrant lift. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate. — Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Juicy shrimp are tossed with orzo, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a fresh and light meal. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice enhances the natural flavors of the seafood. Fresh parsley adds a fragrant finishing touch. This salad is especially enjoyable served chilled on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Shrimp are sautéed in rich brown butter, giving them a nutty, savory taste. The orzo soaks up the buttery sauce for a luxurious bite. Lemon juice adds brightness without overpowering. It’s a simple yet impressive seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion. — Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This soup pairs shredded chicken with orzo in a spicy buffalo-style broth. Creamy cheese balances the heat. Celery and carrots add crunch and flavor. It’s a warming and satisfying bowl.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Chicken simmers in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Orzo cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish for any night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant give this salad a smoky richness. Fresh herbs keep the flavors bright. A tangy vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s a colorful way to enjoy summer vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

Juicy chicken is paired with orzo, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. The warm and cool elements create a nice balance. A sprinkle of feta adds creaminess. It’s a great meal-prep option.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls