When it comes to versatile, delicious ingredients, orzo is one of our perennial faves. Not only does it cook quickly, but it goes well with a wide range of flavors, is safe for picky eaters, and is a pantry staple you can pull out whenever you want!
Learning how to cook orzo is key to unlocking this popular ingredient’s full potential. Beyond that? You’ll want to master some easy orzo pasta recipes that you can turn to on weeknights, weekends and even when company’s coming. Achieve perfect results, every time, by learning the tips and tricks to cooking orzo in our comprehensive guide.
Though often confused with rice, due to its similar size and shape, orzo is actually a kind of pasta. It is a type of small pasta called pastina and is often used in salads, soups, stews, and casseroles. Orzo is made from %100 enriched durum semolina wheat and is dried to make it shelf stable. Just like other types of pasta, orzo is available in different varieties, such as whole wheat and tri-color, made with spinach and tomatoes.
Because it looks like rice, orzo pasta can be used in a lot of different dishes. It’s great for soups, salads, sides, and main courses. Orzo tastes great when boiled in plain water, but cooking it in chicken broth makes it taste even better. The rich broth seeps into the orzo and gives each piece a savory chicken flavor.
If you want to take your orzo game to the next level, cooking it in chicken broth is a must-try technique. This simple swap makes orzo shine in any recipe. Follow this easy guide to cook picture-perfect orzo in chicken broth every time.
Why Cook Orzo in Chicken Broth?
Using chicken broth instead of plain water to cook orzo pasta provides several advantages:
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Incredible flavor – Chicken broth infuses the orzo with savory, meaty flavor. This adds a richness and depth of taste to the final dish.
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Versatility – Chicken broth orzo can be used in a wide variety of recipes from hearty soups to light salads. Its versatility makes it a pantry staple.
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Nutrition – Chicken broth provides more nutrients and health benefits compared to water. This includes proteins, vitamins and minerals.
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Convenience – Cooking orzo in broth eliminates an extra ingredient. No need for butter or oil to add flavor. The broth does double duty, cooking and seasoning the orzo.
With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why cooking orzo in chicken broth is a no-brainer!
Tips for Cooking Orzo in Chicken Broth
Follow these simple tips for perfectly cooked orzo with amazing flavor:
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Use good quality broth – Not all broths are created equal. Opt for an organic, low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also make your own broth at home.
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Stick to a 1:1 ratio – For most recipes, use 1 cup of dry orzo to 1 cup of chicken broth. This ensures the orzo is fully submerged and cooked evenly. Adjust amounts as needed.
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Flavor it up – Consider adding garlic, herbs, lemon or spices to the broth to boost flavor. Basil, thyme, oregano and rosemary pair nicely with chicken.
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Don’t overcook – Cook orzo al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Overcooking can make the orzo mushy. Test a piece to make sure it’s tender but still has a bite.
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Shock it – For salads, “shock” the orzo by running cold water over it after draining. This stops the cooking process for the perfect firm texture.
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Toss with oil – Add a drizzle of olive oil after draining to prevent orzo from sticking together.
Follow these tips and you’ll be dishing up chicken broth orzo like a seasoned pro!
Simple Orzo Chicken Broth Recipe
This easy recipe for cooking orzo in chicken broth is simple to master:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional)
Instructions:
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In a small saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, add dry orzo pasta and stir. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Once al dente, drain orzo in a colander and return to pot.
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Stir in olive oil or butter (optional). This prevents sticking.
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Use orzo immediately or let cool completely before refrigerating.
Now you have perfect orzo with chicken broth added to it. Use it however you like. This easy method unlocks a world of possibilities.
10 Delicious Ways to Use Chicken Broth Orzo
Ready to make something tasty with your new chicken broth orzo? Here are 10 great recipes to get you started:
1. Chicken Orzo Soup
Simmer orzo in chicken broth with diced chicken, carrots, celery and herbs for a hearty, comforting soup.
2. Italian Chicken and Orzo Salad
Toss orzo with shredded chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and Italian dressing for a protein-packed picnic pleaser.
3. Cheesy Chicken and Orzo Bake
For an easy one-pan meal, bake chicken thighs atop an orzo and cheese casserole flavored with lemon and thyme.
4. Chicken Pot Pie with Orzo
Cook orzo in broth, then stir in sauteed chicken, veggies and cream sauce. Top with puff pastry and bake for an amazing chicken pot chicken.
5. Greek Orzo Chicken Salad
Marinate cooked chicken in Greek yogurt dressing then mix with orzo, feta, olives, cucumber, tomato and red onion for a Mediterranean twist.
6. Chicken Taco Orzo Skillet
Brown chicken with taco seasoning then simmer in broth with orzo. Top with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips for a hearty taco-flavored one-pan meal.
7. Chicken Broccoli Orzo Casserole
For a comfort food classic, combine cooked chicken and broccoli with orzo, cream of chicken soup and cheese then bake until bubbly and golden.
8. Chicken Sausage and Orzo Skillet
Sauté chicken sausage with veggies then add orzo and chicken broth. Finish with spinach and feta for a fast and flavorful 30-minute meal.
9. Chicken Parmesan Orzo
Boil orzo in seasoned chicken broth then add to marinara sauce with fried chicken cutlets, mozzarella and Parmesan. A saucy, cheesy crowd-pleaser.
10. Chicken and Orzo Stir Fry
For a lighter option, stir fry chicken and veggies in a skillet then add orzo cooked in chicken broth. Toss with soy sauce and sesame oil.
As you can see, chicken broth-infused orzo is endlessly adaptable. Let your creativity run wild! These recipes are just the beginning.
Orzo Cooking Tips and Tricks
Take your orzo cooking skills to the next level with these helpful tips:
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Undercook orzo by 2 minutes if adding to soups or casseroles for perfect texture.
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Cook orzo in vegetable or beef broth for a flavor change.
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Use tri-color orzo for visual appeal.
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Flavor broth with bouillon cubes, garlic or spices.
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Make it creamy by finishing with milk, cream or cheese.
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Add protein like chicken, shrimp or white beans.
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Embrace leftovers! Orzo makes excellent next-day fried rice.
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Store cooked orzo in fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
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When reheating, add a bit of broth to restore moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about cooking orzo pasta in chicken broth? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Is orzo gluten-free?
No, traditional orzo contains gluten as it is made from wheat. Some gluten-free orzo alternatives exist, like chickpea orzo.
Can I use vegetable broth instead?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a flavorful, vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth when cooking orzo.
Should I rinse the orzo before cooking?
No rinsing is required. You can cook orzo directly in broth as no starch needs to be washed off.
How long does cooked orzo last?
Cooked orzo lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator and several months in the freezer. Reheat with a splash of broth before serving.
Can I cook orzo in the microwave?
Yes, orzo can be cooked in the microwave with broth in a pinch. Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir periodically until tender.
Enjoy the Versatility of Chicken Broth Orzo
Cooking orzo in chicken broth unlocks a world of possibilities for this versatile pasta. Infuse orzo with rich, savory flavor to take recipes to the next level. Follow this handy guide for perfectly cooked chicken broth orzo. Get creative with the many delicious ways chicken broth can elevate basic orzo. With a few simple tips, you’ll be dishing up crave-worthy chicken broth orzo in no time!
How Long to Cook Orzo?
In just 8 to 10 minutes, you don’t even have to touch the RiceSelect® Orzo. It’s a quick and easy choice when you’re short on time. Once cooked, orzo should be drained immediately and added to a dish, or tossed in a little oil, to prevent clumping.
Depending on how you plan to use it, you may want to cook orzo for a few minutes less than recommended. When you plan to add orzo to a piping hot sauce, soup or stew, drain it a couple of minutes before it is fully cooked. For pasta salads, or to serve orzo as a side dish, cook it for the full 8-10 minutes.
Making perfect orzo requires little more than orzo, water and salt. Then again, there’s nothing stopping you from zhuzhing up this neutral ingredient! You can flavor orzo from the get-go or transform it into a zesty, creamy or saucy masterpiece once cooked.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup orzo
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
- 2 tsp butter (optional)
This recipe yields 3 cups of cooked orzo.
- Bring water to a boil in a medium pot.
- Add salt, if using.
- Stir in orzo and cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and return orzo to pot. Stir in butter, if using.
Orzo to Water Ratio
Want to be let in on a little secret? If you can boil water, you can cook orzo. It’s really that simple! When cooking rice, a specific rice-to-water ratio is crucial. The same isn’t really true of orzo, where less measuring is required. To cook orzo perfectly, we recommend a ratio of 4 cups of water to 1 cup of orzo. This is to ensure that the orzo is completely covered when cooking. If you don’t want to measure, just put water in a small to medium-sized pot, add salt, and boil it.