Name: Best Orzo Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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This orzo dinner recipe is everything I want in a weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, cooks fast and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for simple one-pot dinners. With tender veggies, rich seasoning, and a creamy or saucy finish, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe balances ease and taste. It comes together quickly, so I can have a warm, homemade dinner even on busy nights. Orzo has a lovely texture and soaks up all the savory flavors from the broth and seasonings. Whether I want to keep it vegetarian or add a protein like chicken or shrimp, it’s always a hit. One pot, easy cleanup, and deeply satisfying—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

orzo pasta
olive oil
garlic, minced
yellow onion, finely chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
zucchini, diced
baby spinach
vegetable or chicken broth
parmesan cheese, grated
lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
I sauté the chopped onion until it’s translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
I add the cherry tomatoes and zucchini, cooking until they begin to soften.
Next, I stir in the orzo and let it toast for a couple of minutes to add a nutty depth.
I pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
I mix in the baby spinach and let it wilt into the orzo.
Finally, I remove the pot from the heat and stir in parmesan and lemon juice. I season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Cooking time: about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

I often switch things up based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I stir in rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for added protein. For a creamier texture, I add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end. When I want to keep it strictly vegetarian, I load it with more seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up since the orzo tends to absorb liquid as it sits. I reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

How do I keep the orzo from sticking together?

I make sure to stir the orzo frequently while it cooks, especially as it absorbs the broth. Adding a little oil helps, too.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, I just skip the parmesan or use a vegan alternative. I also stick to vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.

What protein can I add to this orzo dinner?

I often add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas. It pairs well with almost any protein.

Can I freeze this orzo dish?

I don’t usually recommend freezing pasta dishes like this since the orzo can get mushy. But if I do freeze it, I make sure to reheat it slowly and add a bit of liquid to refresh the texture.

Can I use whole wheat orzo?

Absolutely. Whole wheat orzo works just fine, though it might take a few extra minutes to cook and will have a nuttier flavor.

Conclusion

This orzo dinner recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s cozy, quick, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m craving a veggie-packed meal or looking for a simple base to build on, this dish always delivers. One bite and it’s easy to see why it’s the best orzo dinner recipe I’ve made.