Orzo Rice

Orzo Rice is a quick, buttery side dish made with rice and orzo pasta—simple, flavorful, and perfect for everyday meals.

This dish combines rice and small pasta in a way that gives the best of both worlds—light like pilaf, but with a slightly creamy finish. It works perfectly as a side, especially with chicken dishes, but it can also be served on its own.

The addition of butter and a splash of white wine gives it depth and makes it far from bland. The grains stay separate, yet the whole dish feels rich and comforting at the same time.

At home, it’s one of those recipes that disappears quickly from the table. If you want a more wholesome version, you can use brown rice and whole wheat orzo—it will still taste just as good.

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a small pasta made from durum wheat semolina. It looks like rice but is not rice. You can add it to pasta salads and soups as an addition to dishes or simply make this Mediterranean pilaf risotto from my recipe.

How to choose the best ingredients for Orzo Rice

Orzo: You can find it in most grocery stores as orzo pasta. It looks like rice but is slightly larger and thicker once cooked.

Rice: Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Basmati works especially well because of its light, aromatic quality. Jasmine rice is also a good option. You can use brown rice, but remember it needs a longer cooking time.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the dish. You can use chicken stock or, for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth. Homemade broth will always give the best result.

Butter: A key ingredient that gives the dish its rich, buttery flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead.

White wine: A splash of dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, adds character and enhances the overall flavor.

Onion: A white or yellow onion works best. It adds a mild sweetness without changing the color of the dish.

Turmeric or saffron (optional): Adds a gentle golden color without affecting the flavor when used in small amounts.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and a light, fresh finish to the dish.

Orzo Rice Recipe Step-by-Step Guide

This is a basic orzo rice recipe, but adding different herbs and spices gives this dish a different dimension.

I will guide you through this quick recipe so you can enjoy this delicious dish.

Step 1: Measure and prepare all the ingredients, and chop the onion into small cubes.

Step 2: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a deep pot or pan—in my case, a pan like a wok.

Step 3: Melt the tablespoon of butter and caramelize the chopped onion until it is soft and turns golden brown. This will take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Once the onion is ready, add another tablespoon of butter and orzo. Toast the orzo until it turns medium brown. This will give the dish a slightly nutty flavor, and the pasta will be al dente.

Step 5: When the orzo is ready, add the rice and pour in the wine so that the rice and orzo taste slightly sour.

Step 6: Add the chicken broth and cook until the orzo and rice absorb all the spit. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Add salt and fresh parsley to taste.

Step 8: Then remove from heat and let the orzo rice rest for 10-15 minutes so that the rice and orzo absorb all remaining liquid. This will give the dish a loose consistency, prevent it from sticky rice, and give it a perfect texture. 

You can eat it alone or serve it with any type of stew.

Enjoy!

Sides To Serve Orzo Rice

I love the dish because it is excellent as a snack, but it also impacts chicken stews like Chicken Fricassee, where the creamy sauce with vegetables is submerged in rice and orzo. It worked perfectly with this famous stew Chicken ala King. It is simply one of the ingredients of my family dinners.
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How to store Orzo Rice

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered well so it doesn’t dry out '
• To reheat, use a pan, air fryer, or Instant Pot—add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist
• Stir gently while reheating to bring back the soft texture
• Avoid reheating in the oven, as it can dry out the dish

FAQ

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional Orzo is made from semolina wheat, so it contains gluten, but the popularity of this paste is growing so much that you can now find gluten-free versions on the market in some grocery stores.

Can I freeze Orzo Rice?

Yes, you can freeze orzo rice once it has cooled completely and is stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.