Easy Orzo Pasta and Rice
Looking for a delicious and easy side dish? Try this easy orzo pasta and rice recipe. It’s quick, easy to make, and so delicious. Plus, you can make this tasty side dish recipe in under 20 minutes. Made from three simple ingredients, this side dish is a winner. You only need one pan so clean up is a breeze too.
About this Easy Orzo Pasta and Rice Recipe
When prepping this recipe place a 3 quart soup pot over medium heat and add one stick of butter. Once the butter is melted ad the orzo pasta and stir. Once the butter becomes foamy, add the rice and the water. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let everything simmer for 15-17 minutes or until its cooked through. This orzo pasta and rice recipe is loaded with a brown butter flavor that’s irresistible. Considering this recipe only calls for three ingredients, you’ll be blown away by how much flavor this dish packs.
For this orzo pasta recipe, you can add a variety of ingredients to jazz things up. Try fresh chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flare. However, kalamata olives, tomatoes, garlic, broccoli or fresh herbs would all taste great too.
You can also add your favorite protein for a more complete meal. Seared salmon or grilled chicken would tastes amazing. As would crispy tofu or tempeh. There are so many ways you can enjoy this recipe, so give it a try. This orzo pasta and rice makes 6 servings. Please see below for nutritional information.
Cacio e Pepe Version
For the cacio e pepe version, simply add a 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper. If you only have regular black pepper only use 1 teaspoon. Stir the cheese and black pepper into the orzo and rice after it has simmered for 15-17 minutes. Once well combined, add it to a bowl, top with shaved parmesan and serve hot.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave until heat through. Looking for more dish dishes? Try my roasted Brussel sprouts with green apple and balsamic glaze. Or my one pan crispy smashed potatoes. Both are guaranteed to be a hit.
The Easiest Orzo and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter, 1/2 cup
- 1 cup orzo pasta, dry
- 1 cup white rice, dry, Uncle Bens brand
- 2 + ¼ cups water
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper , 1 teaspoon regular black pepper
- fresh spinach
- kalamata olives
- cherry tomatoes
- garlic
- sun dried tomatoes
- crumbled feta
Equipment
- 3 quart pot with lid
Instructions
- Grab a 3 quart soup pot, and place it over medium heat. Add butter. Once melted, add the orzo pasta.
- Stir well until a foam begins to form and the orzo is lightly browned.
- Next, add the white rice and water. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for an additional 15-17 minutes or until the orzo and rice are tender.
One Comment on “Easy Orzo Pasta and Rice”
This recipe is so easy and so tasty. I’ve never cooked orzo before (I’ve had it just never cooked it.). You can add whatever optional ingredients you have on hand-even grilled chicken if you want. It was so good my picky 2 year old ate it. This is a “keeper” recipe for my family.