Easy orzo recipes

Orzo is an incredibly versatile pasta shape that’s growing in popularity all the time. If you ask us, every self-respecting storecupboard or larder should have a packet or two.

It looks just like a grain of rice – indeed in Italian it’s known as risoni (meaning large rice) – but this tiny pasta shape works a treat in stews, instead of cous-cous in a salad, or in creamy risotto-style dishes, we like to dub ‘orzotto’. Orzo cooks in next to no time making it a perfect midweek dinner standby. Is there anything orzo can’t do?

Our easy orzo recipes include vegan orzo with a rich roasted veg sauce, creamy beetroot orzotto that shines vibrant pink, and the orzo recipe that went viral – our insanely good (if we say so ourselves) orzo carbonara. The pasta shape is also brilliant cooked in chicken broth, as in this springtime recipe, and it’s just fab stirred through a midweek sausage and fennel ragù, perfect for snuggling up with on the sofa on cold days, spoon in hand. Explore our range of recipes, from quick vegetarian dinners to meaty one-pots to impress at the weekend.

Which easy and delicious orzo recipe do you want to try first?