Orzo Dinners: 20 One-Pan Suppers Where the Pasta Cooks Right in the Juices

Orzo dinners are the cozy one-pan trick everyone is cooking this fall: the tiny pasta goes in raw, soaks up the pan juices and comes out creamy, with only one pan to wash. A lemon and herb cheese orzo with chicken thighs passed 1.5 million views on Instagram in a single day this week, and a golden orzo with cabbage drew more than 600,000. Orzo looks like rice but cooks like pasta, in about 12 minutes. Toast it in a little butter first, then add about two and a half cups of liquid for every cup of orzo. Below you will find 19 easy suppers, each with a short shopping list and simple steps. Which one will you try first..

Orzo Dinners Start With Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken

This is the one that blew up this week. Chicken thighs get a golden sear, then the orzo toasts in the same pan and simmers in broth with a soft wheel of garlic and herb cheese melting in the middle. Lemon juice at the end keeps it bright. The pasta drinks up every bit of flavor from the chicken, so it tastes like it took hours. It is ready in about 35 minutes. Would your family fight over the chicken or the creamy orzo..

You will need: 6 boneless chicken thighs, salt and pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, 1 1/2 cups orzo, 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 package (5 oz) garlic and herb cheese, 1 lemon, 2 cups baby spinach, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Season the chicken and sear in oil 5 minutes per side, then set aside. 2. Melt the butter, add the garlic and orzo and toast 2 minutes. 3. Pour in the broth and scrape the pan. 4. Set the cheese in the center and nestle the chicken around it. 5. Cover and simmer 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once. 6. Stir in the spinach, lemon zest and juice, and top with parsley.

Tuscan Chicken Orzo With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tuscan chicken is a restaurant favorite, and it is even better with orzo cooked right in the sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach and Parmesan turn the broth into a creamy, rosy sauce that coats every grain. Use the oil from the tomato jar for extra flavor. It looks fancy enough for guests but takes 30 minutes on a Tuesday, which is why it ranks high among orzo dinners.

You will need: 1 lb chicken breast cubed, 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, 1 1/4 cups orzo, 3 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups spinach, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.

How to make it: 1. Brown the chicken in the oil and set aside. 2. Add the garlic, tomatoes and orzo and toast 2 minutes. 3. Add the broth and seasoning and bring to a simmer. 4. Cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring once. 5. Stir in the cream, Parmesan and chicken. 6. Fold in the spinach until wilted and serve.

Sausage, Peppers and Orzo in One Skillet

Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian American supper, and orzo turns it into a full one-pan meal. The sausage fat and sweet peppers flavor the pasta as it cooks, and a little tomato paste gives it a rich color. Watch how it comes together in this one-pan orzo video on YouTube. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil. It costs very little and feeds four, like most orzo dinners.

You will need: 1 lb Italian sausage sliced, 2 bell peppers sliced, 1 onion sliced, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/4 cups orzo, 3 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fresh basil, red pepper flakes.

How to make it: 1. Brown the sausage in a deep skillet. 2. Add the peppers and onion and cook 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and orzo for 2 minutes. 4. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. 5. Cover and cook 12 minutes until the orzo is tender. 6. Top with Parmesan, basil and pepper flakes.

Orzo Dinners on a Budget: Golden Orzo and Cabbage

This humble pan drew more than 600,000 views this month, and it costs only a few dollars. Cabbage gets cooked low and slow in butter until sweet and golden, then the orzo goes in with broth and a pinch of turmeric. It is vegetarian, filling and wonderfully cozy. Add a fried egg on top if you want more protein. Few orzo dinners are this cheap.

You will need: 1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced, 3 tbsp butter, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, salt and pepper, lemon, parsley, fried eggs (optional).

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter and add the onion and cabbage. 2. Cook 15 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden. 3. Add the garlic, turmeric and orzo and toast 2 minutes. 4. Pour in the broth and simmer 12 minutes. 5. Season with salt, pepper and lemon. 6. Top with parsley and a fried egg.

Date Night Orzo Dinners: Creamy Lemon Salmon

Salmon and orzo cook together in one pan in about 25 minutes. The orzo simmers in a lemony cream sauce, then salmon fillets go right on top to steam until they flake. Peas or spinach add green. It feels like a special dinner but uses very simple ingredients, and it is one of the fastest orzo dinners here. Do you like your salmon crispy, or soft and flaky?

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, salt and pepper, 1 tbsp butter, 1 shallot minced, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups broth, 1/2 cup cream, 1 lemon, 1 cup peas, fresh dill.

How to make it: 1. Season the salmon. 2. Melt the butter and cook the shallot and garlic 2 minutes. 3. Add the orzo and toast 1 minute. 4. Pour in the broth and cream and bring to a simmer. 5. Set the salmon on top, cover and cook 10 to 12 minutes. 6. Stir the peas, lemon and dill into the orzo around the fish.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

The famous creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that people say could win a proposal works beautifully with orzo. A splash of cream, Parmesan and red pepper flakes make the sauce rich and a little spicy. The chicken cooks in the same pan, so nothing is wasted. Fresh basil on top is a must. Would this dinner win your heart?

You will need: 4 small chicken breasts, salt and pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups broth, 1/2 cup cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, basil.

How to make it: 1. Season and sear the chicken 4 minutes per side, then set aside. 2. Cook the garlic, tomatoes and spices 1 minute. 3. Add the orzo and broth and bring to a simmer. 4. Return the chicken, cover and cook 12 minutes. 5. Stir in the cream and Parmesan. 6. Top with basil and serve.

Orzo Dinners Kids Love: Taco Orzo Skillet

Taco night meets pasta night in this kid-friendly skillet. Ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa and black beans cook with the orzo, then a blanket of cheddar melts on top. Serve with sour cream, avocado and crushed tortilla chips. It is one of the easiest orzo dinners to make with pantry staples. What topping can you not live without?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup salsa, 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained, 1 cup corn, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, sour cream, avocado, cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and drain the fat. 2. Stir in the taco seasoning and orzo. 3. Add the salsa, beans, corn and broth. 4. Cover and simmer 12 minutes, stirring once. 5. Sprinkle with cheese, cover and melt 2 minutes. 6. Top with sour cream, avocado and cilantro.

French Onion Orzo Bake

This tastes just like French onion soup, without the bowls. Onions cook down until deep brown and sweet, then the orzo bakes in beef broth with a little thyme. A thick layer of Swiss or Gruyere cheese bubbles on top. It is perfect on a cold night with a green salad, and the coziest of all the orzo dinners. Caramelizing the onions takes patience, but the rest is easy.

You will need: 3 large onions thinly sliced, 3 tbsp butter, 1 tsp sugar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp thyme, 1 1/2 cups orzo, 3 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onions in butter with the sugar over medium low heat for 30 minutes until brown. 2. Add the garlic, thyme and orzo and toast 1 minute. 3. Pour in the broth and Worcestershire and bring to a boil. 4. Pour into a baking dish, cover and bake at 375 F for 20 minutes. 5. Stir, top with cheese and bake uncovered 10 minutes. 6. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken Parmesan Orzo Bake

All the flavors of chicken Parmesan, with none of the frying. Orzo, marinara and broth bake with chunks of chicken, then mozzarella and crunchy buttered breadcrumbs go on top. It is a crowd pleaser for kids and grown ups. Assemble it in the morning and bake it when you get home. Baked orzo dinners like this save busy weeknights. Is chicken parm a favorite in your house?

You will need: 1 lb chicken breast cubed, 1 cup orzo, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup panko, 2 tbsp butter melted, basil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F. 2. Mix the chicken, orzo, marinara, broth and seasoning in a 9×13 dish. 3. Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes. 4. Stir and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. 5. Mix the panko with butter and sprinkle on top. 6. Bake uncovered 15 minutes until golden.

Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

This is the grown up version of the boxed cheeseburger pasta many of us grew up on. Ground beef, onion, a little ketchup and mustard and plenty of cheddar make a creamy, cheesy pan of orzo. Top it with diced pickles and tomato for the full burger effect. Kids love it, and it is ready in 25 minutes. Kid-friendly orzo dinners do not get much easier.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion diced, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar, diced pickles, diced tomato, shredded lettuce.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and onion and drain. 2. Stir in the orzo, broth, ketchup and mustard. 3. Cover and simmer 12 minutes. 4. Stir in the milk and cheddar until creamy. 5. Taste and season with salt and pepper. 6. Top with pickles, tomato and lettuce.

Dump and Bake Orzo Dinners: Baked Meatball Orzo

Frozen meatballs make this one of the fastest orzo dinners on the list. The meatballs, orzo, marinara and broth all go into one dish and bake together, so the pasta soaks up the sauce. A layer of mozzarella melts on top at the end. It is a dump and bake dinner for nights when you do not want to stand at the stove.

You will need: 1 bag (24 oz) frozen cooked meatballs, 1 1/4 cups orzo, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, fresh basil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Stir the orzo, marinara, broth and garlic powder in a 9×13 dish. 3. Nestle the frozen meatballs on top. 4. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes. 5. Stir, top with the cheeses and bake 10 minutes more. 6. Rest 5 minutes and add basil.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Orzo

If you love broccoli cheddar soup, you will love this. Chicken, broccoli and orzo cook in broth, then sharp cheddar and a splash of milk turn it into a creamy, cheesy pan. It sneaks a whole head of broccoli into dinner without complaints. Leftovers make a great lunch. How do you get your kids to eat their broccoli?

You will need: 1 lb chicken breast cubed, 1 tbsp butter, 1 small onion diced, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 3 cups small broccoli florets, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Brown the chicken in butter and set aside. 2. Cook the onion and garlic 3 minutes. 3. Add the orzo and broth and simmer 6 minutes. 4. Add the broccoli and chicken, cover and cook 6 minutes more. 5. Stir in the milk and cheddar until smooth. 6. Season and serve hot.

Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Shrimp scampi usually comes with spaghetti, but orzo soaks up even more of the garlic butter sauce. The shrimp cook in just three minutes, so add them at the very end. A splash of lemon and a handful of parsley finish it. It is a quick seafood supper that feels like date night at home. Do you leave the tails on or off?

You will need: 1 lb large shrimp peeled, 4 tbsp butter, 5 cloves garlic minced, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup white wine or more broth, 1 lemon, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Melt 2 tbsp butter and toast the orzo with half the garlic. 2. Add the broth and wine and simmer 10 minutes. 3. Push the orzo aside and melt the rest of the butter. 4. Add the shrimp, remaining garlic and pepper flakes. 5. Cook 3 minutes until pink and stir everything together. 6. Finish with lemon, Parmesan and parsley.

Greek Giouvetsi: Beef and Orzo Baked Together

Giouvetsi is the Greek Sunday dinner where orzo bakes in a clay dish with slow cooked beef or lamb in tomato sauce. The pasta drinks up the rich meat juices, and grated cheese goes on top. Many Greek families make it for holidays. Our version uses beef chuck and a regular baking dish. It is worth the wait, and it shows that orzo dinners are loved far beyond America.

You will need: 2 lb beef chuck in large chunks, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion diced, 3 cloves garlic, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups hot beef broth, 1 1/2 cups orzo, grated kefalotyri or Parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef in oil, then add the onion and garlic. 2. Add the tomatoes, cinnamon, bay leaf and 2 cups broth. 3. Cover and bake at 350 F for 2 hours until tender. 4. Stir in the orzo and the rest of the hot broth. 5. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once. 6. Serve with grated cheese.

Mushroom and Thyme Orzo, Risotto Style

Orzo makes a creamy, risotto-like dinner without the constant stirring. Browned mushrooms, garlic and thyme go in first, then the orzo simmers in broth until it turns silky. A little Parmesan and butter at the end make it glossy. For more pasta that cooks right in the sauce, see our one-pot pasta dinners where the noodles cook in the sauce. Serve it alone or next to roast chicken.

You will need: 1 lb mushrooms sliced, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 1 shallot minced, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1 1/4 cups orzo, 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth, 1/2 cup Parmesan, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Brown the mushrooms in oil without stirring for 4 minutes. 2. Add the butter, shallot, garlic and thyme and cook 2 minutes. 3. Stir in the orzo and toast 1 minute. 4. Add the broth a cup at a time, simmering 12 minutes. 5. Stir in the Parmesan until creamy. 6. Season and top with parsley.

Orzo Pilaf With Peas and Carrots

Orzo pilaf is a simple side that can easily become a meatless dinner. The orzo toasts in butter until golden, then simmers with carrots and peas in broth. It is a great way to use up odds and ends from the fridge. Add a can of chickpeas for protein, or serve it with any roast or grilled meat.

You will need: 2 tbsp butter, 1 small onion diced, 1 carrot diced, 1 cup orzo, 2 cups broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 can chickpeas (optional), parsley.

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter and cook the onion and carrot 4 minutes. 2. Add the orzo and toast until golden. 3. Pour in the broth and garlic powder. 4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. 5. Stir in the peas and chickpeas and cook 3 minutes. 6. Fluff, season and top with parsley.

Tomato Orzo With Burrata

This one looks like a restaurant dish but uses five ingredients. Orzo simmers in a quick tomato sauce made from cherry tomatoes that burst in the pan. A ball of creamy burrata goes in the middle at the table, and everyone tears into it. Fresh basil and good olive oil finish it. Is burrata worth the splurge?

You will need: 2 pints cherry tomatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups broth, 1 ball (8 oz) burrata, fresh basil, flaky salt, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the tomatoes and garlic in oil until they burst, about 8 minutes. 2. Lightly crush the tomatoes. 3. Stir in the orzo and broth. 4. Cover and simmer 12 minutes. 5. Spoon into a serving dish and set the burrata on top. 6. Add basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Meatless Orzo Dinners: Garlicky Greens Bowl

When you need something light after a heavy weekend, this bowl is the answer. Orzo cooks in broth, then a big pile of kale or spinach wilts in with garlic and lemon. A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds crunch. It is ready in 20 minutes and great for lunch the next day. Add a jammy egg for extra protein.

You will need: 1 cup orzo, 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic sliced, 4 cups kale or spinach chopped, 1 lemon, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, red pepper flakes.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the orzo in the broth for 10 minutes. 2. In another pan, warm the oil and garlic until golden. 3. Add the greens and cook until wilted. 4. Stir in the orzo with any remaining broth. 5. Add lemon zest, juice and Parmesan. 6. Top with pine nuts and pepper flakes.

Cozy Orzo Dinners in a Bowl: Lemon Chicken Soup

When it is cold outside, orzo goes into the soup pot. This lemon chicken soup is bright and cozy at the same time, with carrots, celery and dill. It is a lighter cousin of Greek avgolemono. Cook the orzo right in the soup, but add more broth to leftovers because the pasta keeps soaking it up. It is perfect for a sick day, and it makes a lovely change from heavier orzo dinners.

You will need: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 cloves garlic, 8 cups chicken broth, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 3/4 cup orzo, 2 lemons, 2 tbsp fresh dill, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion, carrots and celery in oil 6 minutes. 2. Add the garlic for 1 minute. 3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. 4. Add the orzo and simmer 10 minutes. 5. Stir in the chicken, lemon juice and dill. 6. Season and serve right away.

Leftover Trick: Cold Lemon Orzo Salad

Orzo thickens overnight, so leftovers need a splash of broth when you reheat them. Or turn plain leftover orzo into a cold salad: toss it with lemon, olive oil, cucumber, herbs and feta, and serve it with grilled zucchini. It packs well for lunch. Which of these orzo dinners will you make this week?

You will need: 3 cups cooked orzo, 1 lemon, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 cucumber diced, 1/4 cup chopped dill and parsley, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, salt and pepper, grilled zucchini.

How to make it: 1. Fluff the cold orzo with a fork. 2. Whisk the lemon juice and oil. 3. Toss with the orzo, cucumber and herbs. 4. Fold in the feta. 5. Season and chill 30 minutes. 6. Serve with grilled zucchini.