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A vibrant bowl of tender orzo pasta mixed with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on a rustic wooden table.

Ultimate Weeknight Orzo: Effortless Delight Awaits!

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Discover the effortless delight of the Ultimate Weeknight Orzo, a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for busy evenings. Made with simple ingredients like orzo, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, this recipe offers a satisfying and versatile meal that comes together in just 20-25 minutes. Ideal for family dinners or weeknight gatherings, this easy orzo dinner promises comfort and taste without the hassle.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups of dried orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and chop the onion, garlic, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to toast lightly.
  4. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot for a delicious, crowd-pleasing orzo dinner.

Notes

  • You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra flavor and protein.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste—more garlic or herbs can be added for a stronger flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg