Orzo Pilaf rewrite
Orzo Pilaf is one of my Pantry Emergency dishes. When I need a starchy side dish right away? I turn to orzo pilaf. It's quick and easy - twenty minutes, start to finish, with only the occasional stir, so I can focus on the rest of the meal. If you need a quick side, give this a try. And, if you want to make it fancier, check out my suggestions for a side dish you'll be proud of. (Even if it is really simple.)
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(Originally published December 2009; this is a substantial rewrite of that post.)
This orzo pilaf recipe is so simple I hesitate to even call it a recipe. That said, the trick is cooking orzo like I cook rice. I use just enough water that the pasta absorbs it all by the time it's done cooking - 2½ cups of water for 8 ounces of orzo (half a box). The smaller amount of water comes to a boil quickly, and I don't have to drain the orzo when I'm done.
Ingredient notes and variations
The basic recipe is simple - just pasta and butter. (When I wrote it back in 2009 I had a bunch of picky eaters to feed.) And, there's nothing wrong with simple; sometimes that's exactly what you need with a fancy main course. But, if you want a little extra, try these suggestions:
Parmesan Orzo Pilaf
Stir in an ounce of grated parmesan cheese after resting, and sprinkle a little more on top right before serving.
Lemon Orzo Pilaf
After resting, stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (about ½ a lemon).
Herbed Orzo Pilaf
After cooking, but before resting, stir in 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs. (The heat will help release the flavor of the herbs). I use the "song herbs" with orzo - parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. (Basil is also good, but it doesn't fit in the "song herbs" joke.)
Green Onion Orzo Pilaf
Mince a green onion, stir in most of it before resting, and sprinkle a little bit of the greenest part of the onion on top before serving.
Orzo Pilaf with Broth
Substitute chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth for half (or all) of the water. Of course, homemade broth, like my Instant Pot Chicken Broth, Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth, or Instant Pot Vegetable Broth, are fantastic for this, but you can also use store-bought broth. If you do use store-bought broth, skip the salt - store-bought broth has enough salt for the recipe.
Tips and Tricks
- Not all the water is absorbed by the time the orzo is done. The orzo should still be a wet when you turn off the heat; it will absorb the rest of the water by the end of the five minute rest.
What to serve with Orzo Pilaf
Orzo pilaf is not just for weeknights; it is a flexible side dish. It is great with meals that have juices or a sauce to soak up with the starch. I love to serve it with stews (like my Instant Pot Beef and Lentil Stew), pot roasts (like my Instant Pot Sirloin Tip Roast), and braises (like my Pressure Cooker Beef Shank (Osso Bucco)).
Print
Orzo Pilaf
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 2½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 8 ounces Orzo (half of a box)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but delicious)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Bring 2 ½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a small to medium pot over high heat.
- Cook the Orzo for 8 minutes, with a 5 minute covered rest: Turn the heat down to medium-high. Pour in the orzo, and add the (optional) butter. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, to make sure the orzo doesn't stick to the pot. Remove the pot from the heat, stir the orzo one more time, cover the pot, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 159.9 mg
- Fat: 1.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 21.2 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 3.7 g
- Cholesterol: 3.8 mg
Related Posts
This recipe is one of my quick side dishes; some other favorites are my Oven Roasted Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Quick Couscous, Pressure Cooker Baby Potatoes with Butter and Parsley, and Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts.
If you're looking for something else, here is my complete recipe index.
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Mike Vrobel says
Give this quick and easy side dish a try!
Susan says
This method is foolproof. So simple that it frees one's mind up as to how to dress it up. (or not)
Perhaps, since you love to cook, you already have a pasta maker and could have a "make pasta from scratch" session with Ben and his siblings. I think making your own pasta is thrilling and eating it is even better..
I like to designate Fridays to making & eating pasta day - and the creative possibilities are endless.
Also, the flavored dried orzo for sale at some stores is enticing.. spinach; tomato; squid ink. How much ikky fun would that be for kids.
Allison says
I know this is quite old but I found this recipe a few years ago and I keep coming back to it. So simple and creamy. I always add better than bullion (chicken or veggie) to the water and always use parm. One of our family's absolute favorites...the kids request it.
Lisa says
Have you tried this in the IP yet?
Mike V says
Nope - not yet.
Kay says
Begin by sweating a small onion in a little
water...when water evaporates, add a little olive oil. Add orzo and saute with onion...add chicken stock or boullion to taste, stir and cook the eight minutes. Turn heat off, stir and add the butter
Jeremy says
Made this for the first time the other night. Turned out perfect especially with some parmesan cheese. Definitely a keeper!
MikeV @ DadCooksDinner says
Thank you, Eileen! I'm glad it worked for you.
Eileen says
Okay, I tried this recently and it is excellent! Just what I need - another pasta dish that I love. sigh...
MikeV @ DadCooksDinner says
@Eileen:
Good question! No, you don't have to drain the orzo - 2.5 cups of water is just enough for 8 ounces of orzo to absorb by the time the cooking is done.
Thanks for asking; I'm going to update the recipe to make this more clear.
Eileen says
You didn't say, but I'm sure the orzo must be drained after the 8 minutes, correct?
MikeV @ DadCooksDinner says
@AYOTG:
The wine is a great idea - I'll have to try that next time. Thanks!
A Year on the Grill says
I lost 30 pounds in about 6 weeks on Atkins... went out to dinner, ate one piece of bread and gained 32 pounds in a week....
I use up whatever open bottle of wine may be available when I cook orzo. adds a great additional flavor