Orzo Roni

If you like Rice-A-Roni, you will like this spinoff Orzo Roni version. Orzo and broken spaghetti are toasted until nutty and simmered in a chicken-flavored broth. It’s a perfect all-purpose side dish for any meal.

My husband loves Rice-A-Roni. If he had his way, it would be on the dinner table at least once a week. While this sounds fine, he always wants the same flavor—chicken. A little variety once in a while would be nice. Unfortunately for those of us who have to dine with him, he is a man who knows what he likes and sticks to it! Often, it’s easier to have what he has rather than add another item to the menu.

Orzo Roni is the result of my desire to change things up just a bit while being mindful of the picky hub’s preferences. It tastes just like Rice-A-Roni, maybe with a slightly different mouthfeel, as the orzo is larger and slightly more chewy than rice. Frankly, if you weren’t told there is orzo instead of rice in advance, you probably wouldn’t notice.

The recipe is easy and uses minimal ingredients. I like that it can be on the table in 20 minutes. Plus, the majority of it is simmering time. That’s the kind of side dish I don’t mind making!

Recipe highlights:

• Brown orzo and broken spaghetti in butter in a medium skillet.
• Add water and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Cook loosely covered until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
• See the recipe card for detailed instructions.

Make Orzo Roni Vegetarian:

This dish is flavored with sodium-free chicken bouillon. For a vegetarian version, use vegetarian bouillon (affiliate link). If your bouillon is not sodium-free, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by 1/8 teaspoon. Otherwise, the Orzo Roni might be too salty. You can always add more at the end to taste. 

Orzo Roni is good with so many main dishes: chicken, pork, steak, and even seafood. I won’t lie—the hubs would rather have the real McCoy, but he couldn’t deny that this orzo version is just as tasty. Another win against the picky eater battle for me! 

The next time you’re looking to use up some orzo, try making Orzo Roni!!

Recommended supplies:

These are products I use, or on my wishlist, or are highly rated. (Amazon affiliate links)

• A 10-inch skillet is needed for this recipe. It’s nonstick and has a glass lid. It’s also 100% APEO and PFOA-free.
• Use sodium-free chicken bouillon. Regular salted ones make the Orzo Roni overly salty.
• A mandoline to shred carrots if you don’t have pre-shredded.
• I love using wooden spatula for skillet cooking. This one is made of teak and has high moisture resistance.

Main Dish Suggestions for Orzo Roni

Great Grilling with Chuck Eye	Roasted Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Leg Quarters
Crispy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Pepper Relish Dip	Grilled Chicken Pesto Potato Salad (Kabobs)

Orzo Roni

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Stovetop Cooked Cuisine:American Courses:Sides Recipe Keys: C Carbohydrate

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 25 minutesServings:4 Servings

Description

If you like Rice-A-Roni, you will like this spinoff Orzo Roni version. Orzo and broken spaghetti are toasted until nutty and simmered in a chicken-flavored broth. It’s a perfect all-purpose side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces uncooked orzo
• 1 1/2 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta, broken into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon sodium-free chicken flavor bouillon (affiliate link)
• scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
• scant 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Add butter, orzo, and broken spaghetti to a medium skillet on medium heat. Stir constantly until the orzo and spaghetti turn light to medium brown, about 4 minutes.
2. Add water and the remaining ingredients. 
3. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Cover loosely and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 5 additional minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork before serving.
7. Makes 4-6 sides.

Notes:

• If your bouillon is not sodium-free, reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon. If needed, add more salt at the end.
• Feel free to replace water with chicken broth.

Keywords:Rice-A-Roni, Orzo, Orzo Side Dish, Orzo Roni

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