What goes well with orzo?

Orzo pairs well with a variety of ingredients! Think Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, spinach, and lemon. Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or roasted vegetables are also excellent additions. Herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley enhance the flavor profile.

Is orzo healthier than rice?

Orzo and rice have similar nutritional profiles. Orzo is technically pasta, made from semolina flour. Brown rice generally has more fiber than orzo, making it slightly healthier in that regard. However, orzo can be a good source of carbohydrates and protein. Choose whole wheat orzo for a fiber boost.

Is orzo a good source of protein?

Orzo contains a moderate amount of protein. A 1/4 cup serving of dry orzo contains about 5 grams of protein. While not a protein powerhouse, it contributes to your overall protein intake, especially when paired with protein-rich ingredients like meat, beans, or cheese.

Can you cook orzo in advance?

Yes, orzo can be cooked in advance. Cook it al dente, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What is the best way to cook orzo?

The best way to cook orzo is similar to cooking pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the orzo well before using it in your recipe. Some recipes also use the risotto method, toasting the orzo first and then gradually adding broth.

What is orzo actually made of?

Orzo is a type of pasta made from semolina flour, which is derived from durum wheat. It's shaped like a large grain of rice.

Best Orzo Dinner Recipe: The Easy One-Pan Wonder You'll Crave 2026

Name: Best Orzo Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups (about 10 oz) uncooked orzo pasta; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 (5 oz) package fresh baby spinach; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Best Orzo Dinner Recipe

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A one-pan wonder that is both indulgent and wholesome, this creamy orzo dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It features tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, vibrant spinach and peas, all brightened with a hint of lemon zest. It’s a complete, comforting meal ready in about 35 minutes.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 25min
Total Time: 35min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups (about 10 oz) uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 (5 oz) package fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove to a plate.
In the same pan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add uncooked orzo to the pan. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast lightly.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway.
Stir in spinach, frozen peas, cooked chicken, grated Parmesan, and lemon zest and juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of cream. Always grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce. The orzo will thicken as leftovers; reheat with a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 650
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 13
Unsaturated Fat: 9
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 4
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 120

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/best-orzo-dinner-recipe/