Easy Orzo Recipes That Make Dinner Feel Effortless

Orzo is one of those pantry staples that makes cooking feel easy and satisfying. These orzo recipes cover everything from cozy one pan dinners and creamy chicken dishes to fresh salads packed with bright Mediterranean flavors. If you are looking for simple orzo meals that come together quickly and taste amazing, this collection has plenty of inspiration.

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.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

This baked chicken and orzo is a comforting weeknight dinner made with juicy chicken thighs and tender orzo. Everything cooks together for a simple meal the whole family enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

A bowl of shrimp served over corn risotto with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, next to a fork on a light surface. — Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This brown butter shrimp sits on creamy parmesan basil corn orzo with blistered tomatoes. It feels special enough for date night but easy enough for home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken soup garnished with chopped green onions and crumbled cheese, placed on a blue cloth with two gold spoons beside it. — Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This buffalo chicken orzo soup is cheesy, spicy, and ready in about 30 minutes. It delivers all the bold flavor of buffalo wings in a cozy bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

This cheesy chicken broccoli orzo is pure comfort food. Creamy, filling, and easy to make, it is a reliable dinner option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chorizo Orzo

Spicy chorizo and tender orzo come together in this cheesy one pan meal. It is bold, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chorizo Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

A skillet with seared chicken breasts, creamy orzo pasta, and spinach, all combined in a rich sauce. — Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

This creamy Tuscan chicken orzo is rich, comforting, and full of Italian inspired flavor. It makes a satisfying dinner that feels a little extra without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs, with a fork on the side. A bunch of cherry tomatoes is visible nearby. — Greek Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: My Everyday Table.

This Greek orzo pasta salad is light, fresh, and perfect for warm weather meals. It works well as a side dish or an easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

A plate of orzo pasta mixed with grilled vegetables including bell peppers, onions, and green beans, served with a fork on a light-colored napkin. — Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled seasonal vegetables and orzo are tossed with a tart cherry balsamic glaze in this colorful salad. It is great served warm or chilled for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

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 .

This ground beef and orzo skillet is hearty and comforting with warm spices and tomatoes. It is an easy one pan meal that feeds the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet

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.

This lemon chicken orzo pasta is fresh, bright, and perfect for busy weeknights. The lemon flavor keeps it light while still feeling satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

A bowl filled with orzo pasta, diced colorful vegetables, grilled chicken pieces, crumbled cheese, and a lemon wedge, arranged on a brown surface with herbs and a wooden spoon nearby. — Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

These Mediterranean chicken orzo bowls are packed with fresh flavors and simple ingredients. They make a great lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Bowls

Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green beans, tuna, and a lemon wedge, garnished with basil leaves. — Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Mediterranean tuna orzo salad is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It is an easy option when you want a fast meal without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad

A black bowl of flat noodles with chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, and green beans, garnished with lime and red chili slices; lime and chili on the side. — Orzo Salad. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

This classic orzo salad mixes vegetables, feta, olives, and herbs with a lemon vinaigrette. It works well as a side or a light main dish.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

This orzo salad with black beans and corn is colorful, fresh, and great for meal prep. It pairs especially well with grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Salad with Black Beans and Corn

Pesto Orzo Salad

A rectangular slate platter with pesto rice salad, featuring mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil, on a light wood surface with a lemon-patterned cloth. — Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pesto orzo salad is packed with basil flavor, cherry tomatoes, and creamy cheese. It is an easy dish that brings Mediterranean vibes to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Spinach Orzo Salad

A square glass bowl filled with orzo salad, topped with crumbled feta cheese, pine nuts, herbs, and chopped vegetables, placed on a wooden surface. — Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh spinach and warm orzo come together in this simple but flavorful salad. It is a great side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad