18 Easy Orzo Dishes to Try Tonight

Orzo is one of those ingredients that works in everything from warm, creamy dishes to crisp, refreshing salads. Whether you’re looking for a quick pasta side, a hearty main with chicken or beef, or a salad packed with Mediterranean flavors, this list has a little of everything. The rice-shaped pasta cooks fast and holds sauces well, making it great for weeknights or meal prep. From stovetop skillets to chilled bowls, these recipes put orzo to work in all the right ways.

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.

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This dish bakes chicken and orzo together in a single pan. The pasta soaks up all the juices, becoming tender and flavorful. Vegetables and broth round it out for a full meal. A hands-off way to make dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Orzo is toasted slightly before being tossed with shrimp cooked in brown butter. The nutty flavor from the butter gives it a rich finish. Garlic and lemon brighten things up. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
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 combines shredded chicken, hot sauce, and creamy broth with orzo. The pasta thickens the base while soaking in the spicy kick. Blue cheese or ranch can be added at the end. A warming dish with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

A creamy one-pot dish where orzo, broccoli, and chicken cook together. Cheese melts in to create a rich, smooth sauce. Everything is bite-sized and well blended. A solid comfort food option.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This dish features sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic in a creamy orzo base. Chicken is seared and then nestled in to finish cooking. It’s rich and layered with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

This salad uses olives, cucumbers, red onion, and feta for bold Mediterranean flavor. Orzo adds texture and holds the lemon-oregano dressing well. It’s bright and easy to prep ahead. Great for picnics or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled zucchini, peppers, and onions are tossed with cooked orzo and a light vinaigrette. The char adds depth while the pasta makes it filling. Serve chilled or at room temperature. A fresh take on pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable 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.

Orzo is cooked in a lemony broth with chicken and herbs. The citrus keeps the dish light, while garlic and olive oil round out the flavor. It’s easy to adapt with whatever greens you have. Great for spring or summer.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

Cooked chicken is layered over orzo with veggies, olives, and hummus or tzatziki. It’s more of an assembled bowl than a hot dish. Full of texture, color, and big flavor. Ideal for meal prep or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

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.

This warm dish features chicken seared with herbs, then served over orzo tossed with tomatoes and spinach. Feta or olives add saltiness. It’s hearty but balanced. A good one-pan dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken With Orzo

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.

Shrimp adds protein to a bright, herby orzo salad. Ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley keep it crisp. A lemon dressing ties it all together. Serve chilled for a refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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.

Canned tuna makes this salad fast and easy. It’s combined with orzo, chickpeas, and chopped veggies. The flavor is fresh and savory. A good lunch that holds up well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onion, artichoke hearts, parsley, and mint, displayed on a wooden board with lemons and fresh herbs nearby. — Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

A classic version with vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette. The orzo keeps it soft but sturdy. Easy to build on with your favorite add-ins. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

This version leans into Tex-Mex flavors with lime, cilantro, and chili powder. The black beans add heartiness, while corn brings sweetness. Orzo ties it together in a fun twist on pasta salad. Great for picnics or BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

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.

Fresh pesto coats each piece of orzo in this fast salad. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, or peas often get added in. It’s bold and aromatic. Can be served warm or cold.
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.

Packed with summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn, and zucchini, this salad is full of color. A vinaigrette adds brightness. Serve it cold on warm days. It pairs well with grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

This version focuses on feta, olives, and oregano with orzo as the base. Red onion and cucumber add crunch. The flavor is salty and tangy in all the right ways. Perfect for cookouts or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad with Feta

Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet

A plate of pasta with minced meat, cherry tomatoes, and cheese shavings on a white plate. A fork rests on the plate, and a blue checkered napkin is underneath. Parsley is visible beside the plate. — Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Everything cooks in one pan, from browned beef to tender orzo. Tomatoes and broth help bring it together. It’s quick, hearty, and satisfying. A solid weeknight choice.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet