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    Homepage » Recipes

    Creamy Orzo Risotto

    Published: Aug 21, 2021 · Modified: Nov 2, 2022 This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 12 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Orzo risotto.

    This orzo risotto goes well with anything. It's so creamy and comforting. An easy side dish that will elevate your whole meal to the next level.

    orzo risotto.

    If you are looking for good orzo recipes to try, make this orzo risotto for dinner tonight. You can serve this orzo risotto as a side dish for meat or fish. Or, serve it as a main dish by adding delicious toppings of your choice, such as sauteed mushrooms or other veggies. 

    Jump to:
    • What is Risotto
    • What is Orzo 
    • Ingredients for Orzo Risotto
    • How to Make the Creamiest Orzo Risotto
    • What to Serve with Risotto
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is Risotto

    Risotto is a classic Italian side dish that is oftentimes made of rice. The rice is usually cooked slowly to create a rich and velvety sauce, similar to mac n cheese but without dairy.

    The traditional risotto calls for short-grain arborio rice as the main ingredient. But in this recipe, I will show you how to cook the risotto using orzo instead of rice. You really have to try it and I think you'll be surprised how it turns out. 

    Creamy orzo risotto.

    What is Orzo 

    Orzo, also known as Risoni, is another type of short-cut pasta from Italy. Traditionally, orzo is made with wheat semolina flour, but it can also be made of whole grain.

    Orzo is great on cold salad and soups. You can find orzo at any grocery market for around $.99 per pound.

    orzo risotto.

    Ingredients for Orzo Risotto

    This basic orzo risotto is made of orzo, white wine, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic, thyme, shallots, olive oil, butter, and parmesan cheese.

    Broth. You can use chicken or vegetable broth or water.

    Shallots. If you have no shallot at home, feel free to replace it with yellow onion.

    risotto ingredients.

    How to Make the Creamiest Orzo Risotto

    Step 1. Preheat the Broth

    • In a stockpot, bring the broth to a simmer or heat it in a microwave.

    Step 2. Cook the Aromatic Vegetables

    • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
    • Cook shallots with a pinch of salt for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    sauteing shallots.

    Step 3. Toast the Orzo

    • Add orzo into the pot and keep stirring for about 4 minutes to prevent mushy risotto. Be careful not to burn the pasta.
    Toasting the Orzo.

    Step 4. Add Wine

    • Add the wine and bring to a simmer.
    • Stir the mixture occasionally, until the wine is evaporated. This process should take about 2 minutes.

    Step 5. Add the Broth

    • Pour the hot broth into the pot. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Immediately reduce the heat back to medium, simmer, and stir often until the pasta al-dente (slightly firm in the center) for about 18 minutes.
    simmer orzo in broth.

    Step 6. Add Butter and Parmesan Cheese

    • Remove the pot from the heat. Add butter and stir until melted.
    • Gradually add parmesan, stirring until the cheese is melted.
    • Adjust the seasoning with salt and cheese if necessary.
    risotto.

    FAQ and Cooking Tips

    How to store leftover orzo risotto

    You can keep the leftover orzo risotto in an airtight container. The leftover will last 3-5 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

    How to reheat leftover orzo risotto

    Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente. If the pasta is too mushy, might not survive reheating. The easiest way to reheat the risotto is to place it in a microwave. Simply add a splash of water or broth (or cover with a damp paper towel) to maintain moisture and reheat for a minute or two.


    What to Serve with Risotto

    • Pan-Fried Trout
    • Pressure Cooker Beef Ribs
    • Baked Chicken Drumsticks
    • Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
    • Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
    • Roasted Half Chicken
    • Braised Beef Brisket

    I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

    📖 Recipe

    orzo risotto.
    4.95 from 17 votes

    Orzo Risotto

    Rika
    If you are looking for good orzo recipes to try, make this orzo risotto for dinner tonight. You can serve this orzo risotto as a side dish for meat or fish.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 419 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 cup orzo
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¾ cup chopped shallots, (lightly packed)
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, (add more according to your liking)
    • ½ cup dry white wine
    • 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, (add more broth if needed). Put the broth in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
    • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, (lightly packed) use more or less according to your liking)

    Optional:

    • 2-3 tablespoon unsalted butter

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil in a 3½ qt saucepan over medium heat. Cook shallots and a pinch of salt for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
    • Add orzo and keep stirring until pasta is light golden for about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add wine and stir the mixture occasionally, until the wine is evaporated then add thyme.
    • Pour the preheated broth into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat back to medium, simmer, uncovered, and stirring often until the pasta al-dente and most of the liquid is absorbed for about 18 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
    • Remove the pan from the heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Gradually add parmesan, stirring until the cheese is melted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and cheese if necessary. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 419kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 14gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 246mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 287IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword how to make risotto with orzo, orzo risotto
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Sara

      September 01, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this with dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! Quick, easy and delicious; my whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Rika

        September 27, 2021 at 11:26 am

        Thanks for sharing your feedback, Sara! I am glad that you and your family liked it.

    2. Eden

      September 12, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this was absolutely AMAZING! The whole family loved it, including my picky 8 year old! A keeper for sure.

      Reply
      • Rika

        September 20, 2021 at 8:57 pm

        I am glad to hear that your whole family loved this orzo risotto, Eden! Thanks for reviewing this recipe.

        Best,

        Rika

    3. Saif

      September 14, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      I made this orzo risotto and it turns out perfect. It is creamy, cheesy and delicious. Definitely going to make it again.

      Reply
      • Rika

        September 20, 2021 at 8:56 pm

        Hi Saif,

        Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. I am glad that this orzo risotto recipe turned out well for you.

        Best,

        Rika

    4. Andrea

      September 14, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you used orzo for this. It looks so creamy and delicious.

      Reply
    5. Maria

      September 14, 2021 at 10:14 pm

      5 stars
      I was thinking about what to do with the cheese on my ref. Will definitely try this!

      Reply
    6. cyndy

      September 16, 2021 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun twist on regular risotto. My family loved every bite and it was the perfect side dish since I discovered last minute that I was out of arborio rice!

      Reply
      • Rika

        September 27, 2021 at 11:29 am

        I am glad that this recipe turned out well for you, Cyndy! Thanks for reviewing this recipe.

    7. Maite

      August 30, 2022 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is FANTASTIC ¡ I made for lunch and everybody love it , definitely it’s my new favorite dish to repeat every week… greetings from Spain

      Reply
      • Rika

        August 31, 2022 at 1:54 am

        Hi Maite,

        I’m so pleased to hear the recipe was a hit! Abd from Spain too, one of my favorite food spots in the world. Let me know how it goes after adding to your rotation.. maybe you’ll make modifications here and there to keep it new and exciting. If you do please do share, I love hearing about those. Thanks again!

        Best,

        Rika

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