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?

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Braised chicken with kefir, orzo and dried limes

One-pot chicken recipes

Braised chicken with kefir, orzo and dried limes

This surprisingly simple one-pot chicken and orzo dinner from food writer Ravinder Bhogal has something special about it. “Tender chicken...

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Chicken and chicory orzo

Easy orzo recipes

Chicken and chicory orzo

Caramelising bitter chicory draws out some sweetness, especially when paired with balsamic vinegar and orange. Throw in favourites like orzo...

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Porcini orzotto

Easy orzo recipes

Porcini orzotto

Packed with flavour but lighter than a regular risotto, this easy ‘orzotto’ switches out rice for orzo pasta and uses...

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Chicken, bean and orzo soup with walnut pesto

Easy dinner recipes and ideas

Chicken, bean and orzo soup with walnut pesto

This hearty chicken and bean soup from food writer Debora Robertson is packed with nuggets of filling orzo pasta. Finish...

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Sausage, fennel and mascarpone orzo

30-minute meal recipes

Sausage, fennel and mascarpone orzo

This orzo is richly delicious and makes use of the classic flavour combo of sausage and fennel. The sauce is...

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Harissa salmon with orzo courgette salad

30-minute meal recipes

Harissa salmon with orzo courgette salad

Orzo pasta salads rule, and this one can be served hot or cold, making it a great dish to take...

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Orzo carbonara

Easy dinner party mains

Orzo carbonara

It certainly won’t please any Italians, but making carbonara with orzo instead of the more usual spaghetti or rigatoni creates...

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‘Coq au vin’ orzo

Midweek meal recipes

‘Coq au vin’ orzo

Coq au vin – a rich red wine stew of chicken, bacon and mushrooms – is the inspiration for this...

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Chicken, lemon and orzo soup

Chicken soup recipes

Chicken, lemon and orzo soup

Inspired by avgolemono, a traditional Greek dish that sees eggs and lemon juice whisked up to thicken chicken broth, this...

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Spatchcocked roast chicken with orzo and roast vegetables

Easy orzo recipes

Spatchcocked roast chicken with orzo and roast vegetables

Spatchcocked roast chicken is perfect for a speedy and easy midweek roast, served alongside roast veggies and orzo. Open packet...

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Orzo halloumi salad

Easy orzo recipes

Orzo halloumi salad

Our orzo, rocket and halloumi salad is full of sunshine flavours. This versatile recipe works in lunchboxes, for picnics, as...

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Orzo with roasted veg sauce

Easy orzo recipes

Orzo with roasted veg sauce

Dale Pinnock’s orzo with roasted veg sauce is the ultimate vegan comfort food for busy nights. Blitz roasted onions, tomatoes...

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Creamy tomato orzo with artichokes and ricotta

Easy orzo recipes

Creamy tomato orzo with artichokes and ricotta

This easy recipe uses storecupboard ingredients including marinated artichokes, orzo and tomato purée to create a fuss-free springtime dish. We’ve...

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Italian baked meatballs and orzo

Meatball recipes

Italian baked meatballs and orzo

Baked until bubbling and layered with gooey mozzarella cheese, our one-pan Italian baked meatballs make the ideal midweek comfort meal...

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Chickpea, orzo and tomato stew with feta and dill

One-pot recipes

Chickpea, orzo and tomato stew with feta and dill

Your favourite orzo recipe on this site! This is a tasty, easy-to-make one-pot veggie dish proves that healthy family food...

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Orzo with broad beans, basil and feta

Broad bean recipes

Orzo with broad beans, basil and feta

This is the perfect summer pasta salad: vibrant and fresh. The orzo pasta is dressed with an addictive (but easy...

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