The Best Orzo Risotto
What we love best about traditional risotto is captured by our quick cooking friend, orzo! Silky, creamy goodness, steeped in flavor, topped with cheese and fresh cracked pepper…what more could you ask for? On the coldest days when you’re hoping for something cozy and filling, orzo risotto will be here to warm you up. Impressive and full of flavor, we’re shining a light on this easy orzo risotto recipe so you too can have a weeknight dinner ready in 30. You’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Are Orzo and Risotto The Same?
Orzo vs. Risotto…we get it! It’s confusing. So, if you’re wondering if you can substitute orzo for risotto rice, or if orzo can be used for risotto, the answer is yes, BUT they are not the same thing, and neither is the cooking method! Orzo is a tiny, grain-shaped pasta made from wheat flour like semolina. Traditional risotto is a rice dish made from the slow absorption of liquid to create a creamy and thick sauce that envelopes each rice grain. For this orzo risotto recipe, we let chicken broth and wine gently absorb over the course of a quick simmer. This risotto with orzo makes for a comforting, elevated side dish in a pinch or can be used for a complete meal by tossing in some frozen peas or serving it alongside Wine Braised Short Ribs.
The Secret to How to Cook Orzo Like Risotto
The best thing about cooking orzo for risotto is that it is basically foolproof. Whereas risotto made with arborio can take over an hour to perfect with the need for constant attention, this simple recipe for orzo risotto takes about 30 minutes with little to no fuss. We have two secrets for the best orzo risotto:
Toasting the orzo: after cooking the shallots and garlic, we toast the orzo until golden brown so that when the liquid is added in, it’ll hold its rice-like shape while still absorbing and releasing starch to create a creamy finish.
Preheating the broth: by adding warm broth to the freshly toasted orzo, it’ll soak up all the flavor without becoming overcooked. Simply add in all the liquid at once and let it do its thing: no need to mix! At about 10-12 minutes, it’ll be just slightly undercooked and it’ll continue to cook after the liquid is absorbed. The final addition of heavy cream and butter keeps it smooth and velvety.
What Do You Need For Orzo Risotto?
Although risotto might seem like a complicated dish, we promise that this orzo risotto recipe is simple enough that you may have all the ingredients at home! We use less than 10 ingredients (minus salt and pepper!) – a few aromatics, creamy salted butter, and your favorite, sharp, nutty cheese make this dish undeniably great:
Low-sodium chicken broth
Orzo
Olive oil
Shallot, finely minced
Garlic cloves, minced
Dry white wine
Salted butter
Heavy cream
Manchego cheese (or parm works well here, too for a orzo risotto parmesan)
Sea salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
Feel free to make it your own with the addition of herbs such as thyme or parsley! We also like to Dry-Sauté Mushrooms to place over the top or serve as a side to Instant Pot Chicken and Roasted Asparagus.
How to Make Orzo Risotto
In half the time and effort of classic risotto, make easy, creamy, cheesy orzo risotto:
Preheat the broth! Slowly simmering your chicken or vegetable broth, when added to the orzo, allows it to cook faster and more evenly, so what you’re left with is perfectly al dente pasta.
Sauté the aromatics! Garlic and shallots add an extra layer of savory flavor and bring out the subtle nuttiness of the orzo.
Toast the orzo! For perfect orzo, don’t skip this step! Not only does toasting the orzo to a golden brown add color and flavor, but it prevents the orzo risotto from getting soggy or mushy!
Simmer! Unlike traditional arborio rice, this risotto with orzo doesn’t need to be constantly watched or stirred. In a matter of 10-12 minutes, it’ll suck up all that delicious flavorful broth without all the extra care (or time!)
Finish it off! While the orzo risotto is still warm, add in the butter and heavy cream. It’ll start to come together to create a luxurious, rich sauce. Then, add in the cheese and mix just until melted. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper. Voila!
Tools You’ll Need for Creamy Orzo Risotto
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Our Creamiest Pasta Recipes
When we want something comforting, we turn to pasta. It’s budget friendly, easy to fancy up, and always satisfies. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy:
Simple is Best!
Why spend hours in the kitchen, when you can spend 30 minutes with the same fantastic results? We’ve made this easy orzo risotto recipe for just that reason! Did you make it? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
