Orzo is a pantry staple that can do it all, from creamy skillet meals to fresh salads and satisfying casseroles. These reader-favorite recipes have earned 4- and 5-star ratings on EatingWell, making them some of our most-loved ways to use the versatile pasta. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish, recipes like our Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole and Broccoli-Cheddar Orzo are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
01 of 15
Roasted Tomato, Eggplant & Orzo Casserole
Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature gives this hearty vegetarian casserole deep, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Whole-wheat orzo cooks directly in the baking dish, soaking up the savory broth for a comforting one-pan dinner finished with creamy feta and fresh basil.
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02 of 15
Orzo Salad with Broccoli & Chickpeas
This bright, veggie-packed orzo salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for meal prep, picnics or easy lunches. Briny capers, fresh lemon and parsley add plenty of flavor to every bite.
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03 of 15
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole
This creamy chicken and orzo casserole is inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and herbs in a rich, savory sauce. Whole-wheat orzo adds a boost of fiber, while spinach brings color and balance to this satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish.
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04 of 15
Broccoli-Cheddar Barley
This broccoli-Cheddar orzo recipe is inspired by the comforting flavors of broccoli-Cheddar soup. Whole-wheat orzo cooks right in the skillet with broccoli and broth, creating a rich, risotto-like texture. Finished with sharp Cheddar and a splash of half-and-half, it’s a satisfying vegetarian dinner that comes together in just one pan.
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05 of 15
High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo
This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.
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06 of 15
One-Pot Chicken, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo
This vibrant sun-dried tomato chicken-and-orzo recipe delivers a satisfying balance of protein, whole-grain pasta and vegetables in one skillet. Juicy chicken cutlets are seared until golden, then nestled into orzo simmered with savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and crumbled feta. It’s an easy complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
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07 of 15
High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage
This High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage is comfort food with a twist. Tender, golden chicken cutlets rest on a bed of creamy orzo swirled with sweet, melting cabbage, shallots and garlic, all brought to life with fresh lemon zest and juice. Pecorino and a touch of half-and-half give the dish a risotto-like texture, while chives add a final pop of freshness. It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s perfect for nights when you want something cozy and satisfying.
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08 of 15
High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo
This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
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09 of 15
Salmon Piccata Casserole
This one-skillet salmon piccata casserole transforms the bright flavors of the classic Italian dish into an easy weeknight dinner. Whole-wheat orzo cooks directly in the skillet with spinach, lemon, Parmesan and capers, creating a creamy base for tender baked salmon.
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10 of 15
Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo
This cheesy chicken-broccoli orzo is the ultimate weeknight game-changer. This dish brings crowd-pleasing flavors together in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying, comforting and delicious. Sharp Cheddar cheese adds savory flavor, but another easy-melting cheese like Gruyère or Swiss would work well too.
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11 of 15
Skillet Salmon with Orzo & Green Pea Pesto
This delightful one-pan dinner combines salmon fillets with fresh green pea pesto and orzo pasta. Green pea pesto adds a unique twist to the traditional pesto, bringing a hint of sweetness, body and a vibrant green color to your plate. If you like a more traditional pesto flavor, swap out the dill for chopped fresh basil, or use store-bought basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto in its place.
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12 of 15
Creamy Lemon Orzo with Spinach & Snap Peas
Think of this one-pot creamy lemon orzo with spinach and snap peas like a quick risotto that swaps orzo for rice. The orzo is cooked until just al dente, giving some texture to the dish. Snap peas are a great addition, but asparagus or another green veggie would work well too.
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13 of 15
Salmon with Lemon-Herb Orzo & Broccoli
This healthy salmon dish is as balanced as it is delicious. You add broccoli right into the pot along with the pasta during its last minute of cooking to save time here. One less thing to wash, too!
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14 of 15
Chicken with Spinach & Tomato Orzo Salad
Baked chicken breasts cook in the oven while you mix together a Mediterranean-inspired salad—packed with veggies, whole-wheat orzo and an easy homemade vinaigrette—for a weekend-worthy dinner on the table in under an hour. The leftovers from this healthy 400-calorie meal make a delicious packable lunch for the next day.
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15 of 15
Broccolini, Chicken Sausage & Orzo Skillet
We love this quick skillet meal for busy evenings. The sausage and orzo simmer together in chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, risotto-like dish in under 30 minutes.
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