Best Orzo Dinner Recipe

I came up with this best orzo dinner recipe on a day when I wanted something hearty but not heavy so I opened my pantry and saw a box of orzo just waiting to be transformed and I started pulling vegetables from the fridge and leftover chicken from the night before. It all came together in one skillet so beautifully I knew right away it would become one of my favorite weeknight meals.

What I love most about this dish is how the orzo cooks right in the same pan with everything else so it soaks up all the savory flavors and turns into something creamy and comforting without any cream and every bite feels nourishing colorful and full of texture and warmth.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Orzo pasta – Small and rice-shaped, perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Cooked chicken – Adds lean protein and turns it into a full meal.
• Onion – Builds the base flavor with a little sweetness.
• Carrots – Bring a natural sweetness and bright color.
• Bell peppers – Add crunch and a mild tang.
• Celery – Gives a subtle earthy flavor and texture.
• Garlic – Aromatic and savory, adds depth.
• Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato richness in every bite.
• Chicken broth – Cooks the orzo and infuses the whole dish with flavor.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
• Salt and pepper – To taste and balance all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley – For a fresh, herby finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with lid – Ideal for sautéing and cooking the orzo in one pan.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir gently without breaking the orzo.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board – For chopping veggies and chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep everything balanced.
• Grater – If you want to top it with fresh Parmesan at the end.
• Serving spoon – For scooping up hearty helpings.

Instructions

Step 1:

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. I sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften.

Step 2:

Next, I stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute to bring out the flavor.

Step 3:

Then I pour in the orzo and stir it around for a couple of minutes so it gets slightly toasted and coated in the flavor.

Step 4:

I add the chicken broth, cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a light boil.

Step 5:

I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6:

Once it’s done, I turn off the heat, fluff the orzo gently with a fork, and top it with chopped parsley.

Step 7:

If I want to make it extra special, I sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Tips

I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.

You can swap in shrimp or chickpeas for a fun protein twist.

If the orzo absorbs liquid too fast, just add a splash more broth while cooking.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness if you want a fresher finish.

Ways to Serve

I love this dish on its own as a one-pan meal, but it’s also great with a side salad.

Serve it with crusty bread to scoop up any leftover sauce.

It makes a perfect meal prep option just pack it into containers for the week.

If you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe doubles easily for bigger portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken in the best orzo dinner recipe?

Yes, just dice it small and sauté it first before adding the vegetables.

Can I freeze best orzo dinner recipe leftovers?

Yes! Let it cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What veggies go well in best orzo dinner recipe?

Bell peppers, carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, or even peas all work beautifully.

Can I make best orzo dinner recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this best orzo dinner recipe a try! It’s colorful hearty and incredibly satisfying and I’d love to see how you make it your own or hear about your favorite variations don’t forget to share your plate with me!

Happy Cooking!

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