Orzo in chicken broth is an easy 15-minute side dish that's rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting side that pairs well with chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. Made with simple pantry staples, this stovetop recipe delivers a cozy, restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
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Why Our Family Loves Orzo in Chicken Broth
- Ready in only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or shredded chicken.
- Kid-friendly and comforting, making it a family favorite.
What is Orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat flour. Although it looks similar to rice, it's actually pasta. It directly translates to "barley" because of its resemblance to the grain. Despite its grain-like appearance, orzo is made from durum wheat semolina and cooks in about 8 to 10 minutes. Its tender yet slightly chewy texture works well in soups, salads (like my Cold Broccoli Orzo Salad), and creamy side dishes.
Orzo can be cooked in water or chicken broth for additional flavor. This orzo cooked with chicken broth is a simple stovetop recipe where the pasta is first toasted in butter, then simmered in flavorful chicken broth until perfectly al dente. Finished with Parmesan cheese for a savory dish. If you're looking for an even more hands-off method, be sure to check out my rice cooker orzo recipe.
Ingredients
- Orzo – This rice-shaped pasta can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. Toasting it before adding the broth gives it a delicious nutty flavor.
- Chicken broth – The broth is what gives the orzo its rich, savory taste. Homemade chicken broth is always wonderful if you have it, but a good-quality store-bought broth works beautifully too.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps toast the orzo for extra flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a subtle aromatic flavor to complement the broth.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the warm orzo for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper – Season to taste.
How to Make Orzo in Chicken Broth
1. Toast the orzo
Start by melting your butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the uncooked orzo and toast for 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add flavoring
Once the orzo has turned golden and smells nutty, add the garlic and saute. Then add chicken broth, stir well and scrape up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer
Stir occasionally until the chicken broth is fully absorbed by the pasta.
4. Garnish and serve
Remove from the heat and fluff the orzo with a fork. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips to Make the Best Orzo
- Don't skip toasting the orzo. It develops a deeper, nuttier flavor that makes the finished dish taste much richer.
- Use chicken broth It gives the orzo incredible depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately. Orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so it's creamiest right after cooking.
Variations & Add-ins
Non-dairy Swaps
- Vegetable broth – Use instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Olive oil – Swap for butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Protein Add-ins
- Shredded rotisserie chicken – Turns it into a complete one-pot meal.
- Cooked Italian sausage – Adds hearty, savory flavor.
- Grilled shrimp – Makes the dish feel light yet elegant.
- Crispy bacon – Adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
What to Serve with Orzo in Chicken Broth
- Sauteed Mushrooms Side Dish - Earthy, buttery mushrooms complement the rich, savory flavors of the orzo while adding another layer of umami.
- Beef Short Ribs - The flavorful broth from the ribs and the buttery pasta make a restaurant-worthy pairing.
- Grilled Bone-in Chicken Thighs - Juicy grilled chicken thighs are a simple, protein-packed pairing for this dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store: Let the orzo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezing isn't recommended since the pasta can become soft and lose its creamy texture after thawing.
To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the texture, as the orzo will continue absorbing liquid during storage.
Orzo cooks quickly, usually in 10 to 12 minutes. In this recipe, it simmers directly in the chicken broth until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
A good ratio is 1 cup of orzo to 2 cups of chicken broth. This gives the pasta enough liquid to cook through while allowing it to absorb the broth for maximum flavor without becoming soupy.
Yes! Orzo can be cooked in water just like other pasta. However, it won’t have the rich flavor that it gets from being cooked in rich broth.
More Easy Side Dishes
15-Minute Orzo in Chicken Broth
Equipment
- 1 Medium sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon butter, salted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup parmesan, shredded
Instructions
- Add butter to a medium sauce pan and melt on medium heat.
- Add the orzo and saute on medium low heat for 1-2 minutes., until it is toasted. Add minced garlic and saute for an additional 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken broth is fully absorbed by the pasta.
- Add the cheese and mix through.
Video
Notes
- Orzo can be cooked in water just like other pasta.
- Vegetable broth – Use instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Olive oil – Swap for butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.
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