Best 8 Garden Orzo Risotto Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Garden Orzo Risotto, a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of spring. This delectable risotto is a delightful combination of fresh garden vegetables, plump orzo pasta, and a creamy, savory broth. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness of peas, the earthy notes of asparagus, and the subtle bitterness of arugula. Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, our Garden Orzo Risotto will become a staple in your recipe collection. As a bonus, we've included two additional variations to tantalize your taste buds: a zesty Lemon Orzo Risotto and a rich and indulgent Mushroom Orzo Risotto. These variations offer a unique twist on the classic, allowing you to explore a world of flavors.

## Lemon Orzo Risotto:

This vibrant rendition of orzo risotto is bursting with citrusy goodness. Fresh lemon zest and juice dance together, creating a bright and refreshing flavor profile. The addition of peas and asparagus adds a touch of sweetness and texture, while Parmesan cheese brings a nutty richness.

## Mushroom Orzo Risotto:

For mushroom lovers, this variation is an absolute must-try. A medley of earthy mushrooms, including shiitake, cremini, and oyster, sautéed in butter until golden brown, add an umami depth to the creamy risotto. A sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of truffle oil elevate this dish to gourmet status.

Whether you prefer the classic Garden Orzo Risotto or are enticed by the Lemon or Mushroom variations, our recipes promise a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a delicious adventure.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GARDEN ORZO RISOTTO



Garden Orzo Risotto image

No one will believe this rich, creamy dish was prepared in less than 30 minutes! I developed the recipe when my garden tomatoes, zucchini and basil were coming on strong. Using orzo instead of Arborio rice makes the risotto so much easier to prepare. -Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small zucchini, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup 2% milk
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute zucchini and shallot in oil until almost tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the orzo, broth and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed., Stir in the spinach, tomatoes and basil; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheese, salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 429mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GARDEN ORZO RISOTTO



Garden Orzo Risotto image

Make and share this Garden Orzo Risotto recipe from Food.com.

Provided by WKernan

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 25m

Yield 4 3/4 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small zucchini, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk
6 ounces spinach
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup basil
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, saute zucchini and shallot in oil until almost tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the orzo, broth and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed.
  • Stir in the spinach, tomatoes and basil; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat; stir in the cheese, salt and pepper. Yield: 6 servings.
  • 2/3 cup: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.9, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 15.9, Sodium 199.8, Carbohydrate 40.8, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 13.1

GARDEN RISOTTO



Garden Risotto image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 lightly packed cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 pound asparagus, steamed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately low heat and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup of the hot broth, the salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper and simmer, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 3/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the broth to be absorbed before adding more, until rice is almost tender and creamy-looking, about 18 minutes.
  • Add the spinach and peas and cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the asparagus and cook just until the vegetables are hot. Stir in the Parmesan and more broth if the risotto seems too thick. Serve in soup plates.

ORZO RISOTTO



Orzo Risotto image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads steeped in 2 tablespoons white wine
1 3/4 cups homemade chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
Salt and crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Saute the shallot in butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the steeped saffron in white wine and evaporate. Add the orzo and saute just enough to coat the pasta kernels.
  • Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil and cook until the pasta has absorbed the broth, and is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, cover and steep just long enough for the shrimp to gently warm through. Season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper; garnish with parsley.

ORZOTTO WITH PANCETTA & PEAS



Orzotto with pancetta & peas image

Substitute rice for orzo pasta to make this risotto-style 'orzotto', packed with pancetta and peas. It makes a lovely and quick midweek meal for the family

Provided by Dani Mosley

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Supper

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

150g diced pancetta
1 red onion , finely chopped
4 garlic cloves , crushed
500g orzo
1.5 litres chicken stock
500g frozen petit pois or peas
½ lemon , zested and juiced
small bunch basil , leaves picked and shredded
75g parmesan , grated, plus extra to serve

Steps:

  • Put the pancetta in a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry until crisp and golden. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat, add the onion along with a pinch of salt and fry in any leftover fat for 5 mins. Add the garlic and continue to fry for a further 3 mins.
  • Increase the heat and stir in the orzo. Fry for 2 mins, stirring constantly, then pour in 500ml stock and bring to a simmer. Add more stock by the ladleful, stirring constantly, as the orzo absorbs the liquid (similar to cooking a risotto).
  • After 5 mins, stir in the petit pois and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to add the remaining stock, stirring, as the mixture cooks. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through. Add the lemon zest and juice, basil, parmesan and fried pancetta. Season to taste, then cover and leave to rest for 2 mins. Serve with extra parmesan sprinkled over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 518 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 73 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 29 grams protein, Sodium 2 milligram of sodium

MEDITERRANEAN PORK AND ORZO



Mediterranean Pork and Orzo image

On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. -Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 quarts water
1-1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Rub pork with pepper; cut into 1-in. cubes. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add pork; cook and stir until no longer pink, 8-10 minutes., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, bring water to a boil. Stir in orzo and salt; cook, uncovered, 8 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook until orzo is tender and spinach is wilted, 45-60 seconds longer. Drain., Add tomatoes to pork; heat through. Stir in orzo mixture and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 306mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ORZO RISOTTO WITH WILD MUSHROOMS



Orzo Risotto with Wild Mushrooms image

While the Saudi Arabian rice dish known as saleeg may resemble Italian risotto, it's set apart by the addition of milk, which gives it a rich, creamy texture. Martha's interpretation pairs orzo with dried and fresh mushrooms, fava beans, lots of herbs and spices, and soft-poached eggs.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ounce mixed dried mushrooms
2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium vegetable stock
2 cups whole milk
5 cardamom pods, crushed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces mixed wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, cremini, shiitake, or oyster, cleaned and roughly chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium shallot, minced
1 medium leek, white and light-green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups dried orzo
1 cup cooked fava beans
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh curly parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
6 soft-poached eggs, for serving

Steps:

  • Cover dried mushrooms with 1 1/2 cups boiling water in a heatproof bowl; let soak 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to a cutting board and roughly chop. Strain soaking liquid; add to a large pot along with stock, milk, and cardamom. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and keep stock warm.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium pot over medium-high. Add wild mushrooms and chopped dried mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove mushrooms from pan; set aside.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in same pot over medium heat. Cook garlic, shallot, leek, coriander, and red-pepper flakes until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in orzo until well combined.
  • Ladle 2 cups reserved stock over orzo and cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until almost completely absorbed. Continue adding stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring often and waiting for each addition to be almost completely absorbed before adding the next, until orzo is just al dente, about 20 minutes. Stir in sauteed mushrooms and continue to cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in fava beans, 1/4 cup parsley, 2 tablespoons dill, lemon zest and juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon orzo into serving bowls, top each with a soft-poached egg, and sprinkle with remaining herbs.

SPRING ORZO RISOTTO



Spring Orzo Risotto image

I thought I had Arborio rice but I obviously did not. Orzo pasta makes a delightful risotto with help from spring veggies like asparagus and peas. For service, garnish with some freshly grated Grana Padano cheese and chopped parsley.

Provided by Jonathan Charbz

Categories     Risotto

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 ½ cups vegetarian chicken-flavored broth
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, diced
¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
¼ cup dry white wine
1 hard cheese rind
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup frozen peas
½ cup finely grated Grana Padano cheese
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Pour vegetarian chicken broth and vegetable broth into a medium saucepan over over medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover until needed.
  • Melt butter and oil together in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion, pepper flakes, and a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes before adding the zucchini and another pinch of sea salt. Stir and continue to cook for about 3 minutes. Next, stir in the dry orzo pasta and continue to cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
  • Pour in wine, stirring as it bubbles until the rapid bubbling stops. Pour in hot broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and add cheese rind and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Cook and stir until a good portion of the liquid has been soaked up by the orzo, about 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus and frozen peas and continue to simmer until nearly all of the liquid is gone and orzo is fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in Grana Padano cheese, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and desired amount of cracked pepper. Remove and discard cheese rind. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 408.7 calories, Carbohydrate 63 g, Cholesterol 21.2 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 504.5 mg, Sugar 7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your risotto.
  • Toast the orzo before cooking it. This will help to bring out its nutty flavor.
  • Cook the orzo in a flavorful broth. This will add depth and complexity to the risotto.
  • Add the vegetables and herbs gradually. This will help to prevent them from overcooking.
  • Stir the risotto constantly. This will help to keep the rice from sticking to the pot and will also help to create a creamy texture.
  • Add the cheese and butter at the end of cooking. This will help to create a rich and luxurious risotto.
  • Serve the risotto immediately. This is when it is at its best.

Conclusion:

Garden orzo risotto is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is a great way to use up fresh vegetables from your garden, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With a little planning and effort, you can create a garden orzo risotto that is sure to impress your family and friends.

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