Looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare? Look no further than orzo! This small, grain-like pasta is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and when paired with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses, it becomes a culinary delight. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and vegetarian orzo recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
From classic combinations like lemon garlic orzo with roasted vegetables to more adventurous pairings like sun-dried tomato and basil orzo, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes. And the best part? Each dish is easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking up some flavorful orzo dishes today!
Lemon Garlic Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
Brighten up your meal with this flavorful and nutritious dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of lemony orzo, savory roasted vegetables, and aromatic garlic will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 cups water
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions using the 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add roasted vegetables to the skillet and toss with garlic and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in cooked orzo, lemon juice, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Orzo cooking time: 8-10 minutes
– Roasted vegetables: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
This recipe combines the rich flavors of spinach and mushrooms with the comforting warmth of creamy orzo, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in thawed spinach, chicken broth, and cooked orzo. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta and Olives: A flavorful and refreshing summer salad that combines the Mediterranean’s finest ingredients in a simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked according to package instructions
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, mixed greens, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss to combine, then serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Orzo
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the Mediterranean flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil with the nutty taste of orzo. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and cook for an additional minute.
5. Once the orzo is cooked, drain and add to the skillet with the tomato-basil mixture.
6. Toss everything together, seasoning with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Orzo
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish that combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the creaminess of goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the red bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
5. Add the roasted red peppers to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
6. Combine the cooked orzo pasta with the red pepper mixture and crumbled goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the flavors of creamy pesto sauce, nutty orzo pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (or store-bought)
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add pine nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in pesto sauce and cooked orzo pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers
Add a Mediterranean twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this flavorful recipe. Greek orzo and spices fill bell peppers with a delicious, savory filling.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked Greek orzo
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, chopped onion, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the orzo mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Garlic Butter Orzo with Asparagus
Elevate your pasta game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter orzo with the tender crunch of asparagus.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the asparagus to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine the cooked orzo and asparagus mixture in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of orzo pasta with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the earthiness of sage. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this autumnal-inspired bowl is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound orzo pasta
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss squash with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, combine roasted squash, cooked orzo, and chopped sage.
6. Toss gently to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Orzo Bake
This creamy, cheesy casserole is a twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip. A flavorful orzo base is loaded with wilted spinach, tender artichokes, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in artichoke hearts, spinach, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked orzo and spinach mixture. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Orzo with Chickpeas
Brighten up your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious recipe, featuring the creamy goodness of orzo pasta, the tanginess of lemon, and the nutty crunch of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo according to package instructions using 2 cups of water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
3. Add cooked orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with the lemon mixture.
4. Fold in chickpeas and chopped parsley (if using).
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orzo Primavera with Spring Vegetables
Spring has sprung, and so have the flavors! Celebrate the season’s bounty with this vibrant Orzo Primavera dish, featuring a medley of fresh spring vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add mixed spring vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Combine cooked orzo pasta with vegetable mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Orzo Soup
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a cozy evening, this Tomato Basil Orzo Soup is a flavorful blend of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and nutty orzo pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup orzo pasta
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and white wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Orzo with Roasted Eggplant and Tahini Drizzle
This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the creamy richness of tahini with the subtle sweetness of roasted eggplant, all wrapped up in a comforting orzo bowl.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss eggplant slices with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and cumin.
4. To assemble the dish, place cooked orzo in a serving bowl. Top with roasted eggplant slices. Drizzle with tahini mixture and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Orzo with Broccoli and Cheddar
A creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz orzo pasta
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Combine cooked orzo, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese (optional).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orzo with Caramelized Onions and Wild Mushrooms
This hearty side dish combines the nutty flavor of orzo with the deep sweetness of caramelized onions and earthy aroma of wild mushrooms. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), cleaned and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook orzo according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked orzo with onion-mushroom mixture.
7. If using white wine, stir it in just before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orzo and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creamy texture of avocado with the nutty flavor of orzo, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked orzo
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the lime dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to coat.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Orzo with Black Beans and Corn
This recipe combines the creamy goodness of orzo pasta with the spicy kick of chili flakes, the natural sweetness of corn, and the protein-packed punch of black beans. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add black beans, corn kernels, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add cooked orzo to the pot and stir to combine with the bean and corn mixture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 flavorful vegetarian orzo recipes! From Mediterranean-inspired salads to creamy pasta bakes and savory soups, there’s something for everyone. Try Lemon Garlic Orzo with Roasted Vegetables, Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo, or Pesto Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts. Orzo Primavera with Spring Vegetables is a perfect springtime dish, while Tomato Basil Orzo Soup makes for a comforting winter meal. Whatever your taste, these recipes are sure to delight!
Leave a Reply