One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta at the Table

Prepare to be amazed by the culinary wizardry that is our One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta! In just 20 minutes and with the simplicity of a single pot, you’ll have a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor and brimming with veggies. Want a purely plant-based dish? Serve it as is. Craving something heartier? Toss in your preferred protein for a feast that’ll leave you utterly satisfied. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superhero!

Why We Love This Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Recipe

Growing up, our mom often made Mediterranean-inspired recipes such as Greek Rice Bake and Greek Pasta Bake, and we always looked forward to the unique ingredients and incredible tastes that she whipped up. Today, we do our finest to recreate similar dishes and instill a love of the Mediterranean in our own families. However, we don’t have time to wait around the stove all day! So, we take our mom’s recipes and transform them into a still super tasty meal that’s just a little easier to make like with this Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Recipe! A new go-to, it’s:

Made in one pot
Filling enough to be served on its own
Budget-friendly
Loaded with veggies
Simple to make in bulk and enjoy all week

What Is Orzo?

Often mistaken for a type of rice, orzo is actually a type of small, oval, rice-shaped pasta popular in Italy! Most commonly it is made with semolina flour but can also be found in whole wheat and gluten-free varieties.

overhead of orzo pasta, olives, tomatoes and onions

Flavorful Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a flavor explosion! In our One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta, a handful of vibrant veggies and fresh herbs team up with silky cheese for a pasta dish that’s not just refreshing but also luxuriously tasty. Here’s what you’ll need:

Orzo Pasta – Make sure your orzo is uncooked. Or, swap it out for any other pasta noodle you prefer.
Olives – A great source of healthy fats, olives add a salty, savory flavor we love.
Broth – We like chicken broth, but veggie or beef broth would work, too. However, we recommend using an unsalted or low-sodium version so you can more easily control the flavor of your dish.
Veggies – Red onion and canned tomatoes combine to add a pop of color and plenty of nutrients.
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings – Salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, lemon, and Italian seasonings combine for a zesty herbaceous taste.
Olive Oil – A drizzle of oil enhances the natural flavors of this orzo pasta recipe and provides a boost of healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Heavy Cream – This takes your pasta to the next level, creating a smooth texture and rich flavor.
Cheese – Parmesan and feta cheese combine for plant-based protein and an ultra indulgent Mediterranean pasta.

How to Make Mediterranean Orzo Pasta

Consider this One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta a culinary cheat code—it’s so simple that calling it a recipe almost feels like an exaggeration. Check out the steps below, and when you scroll down to the details, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how effortlessly this delightful orzo pasta comes together. Spoiler alert: simplicity never tasted this good!

Pour the uncooked orzo into the bottom of a large pot or dutch oven.
Add the olives, garlic, red onion, and tomatoes.
Squeeze some lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil on top followed by the seasonings and broth.
Boil, cover the pot, and let the ingredients simmer until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the Parmesan and heavy cream.
Garnish, and serve!

What If I Don’t Like Olives?

No worries! We know olives are a huge hit or miss. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em, and there’s no in-between. If you’re not a fan, you can easily replace them with a salty alternative like anchovies or capers. Or, just leave them out entirely.

side view on One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

The memorable part about this orzo pasta recipe is that it is super simple to adapt to a plant-based diet. Simply swap out the chicken broth for your go-to veggie broth or vegetable stock. Then, skip all the cheese, and substitute plant-based milk for the heavy cream. We find that the mild flavor and thick texture of oat milk makes for a great dairy substitute for savory cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your dining experience by turning this One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta into a feast! Pair it with proteins, appetizers, sides, and salads for a culinary celebration. Here are some of our go-to pairings to take your meal to the next level:

Make Ahead

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Then, just warm it up in the microwave, or heat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to eat.

Common Questions about One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes — add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your go-to hot sauce to the pot!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be tasty additions to this one-pot dish.

Can I use different herbs and spices?

Yes, you can! Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices, like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

Can I use a different type of broth?

Absolutely! Chicken broth and beef broth both work well.

More Comforting One Pot Pasta Recipes

If you’ve fallen head over heels for the magic of one-pot pasta, brace yourself for even more culinary delights! Here’s a sneak peek at some recipes you absolutely won’t want to miss:

Savory and comforting, this Egyptian Orzo Pasta is a fun twist on a classic Egyptian orzo pasta recipe.
This One Pot Greek Spaghetti is guaranteed to become your new go-to dinner!
This One Pot Couscous is speedy, simple, and bursting with Moroccan flavors you’ll love.
Spice up meal times with this hands-off One Pot Spicy Rigatoni Recipe.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 6 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins

With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal on the table that’s loaded with flavor and full of veggies thanks to this One Pot Mediterranean Orzo Pasta! Serve it on its own for a filling plant-based dish. Or, add your go-to protein for a hearty feast. Email

Ingredients

16 ounces uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup kalamata olives sliced
1 red onion chopped
juice of 1/2 a lemon
zest of 1 lemon
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 (14 ounce) canned diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons kosher salt more or less to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup Italian parsley chopped
3 cups chicken broth or broth of choice
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup feta cheese

Instructions

In a large pot or dutch oven, add the uncooked orzo, olives, red onion, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, diced tomatoes, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and broth. 16 ounces uncooked orzo pasta, 1 cup kalamata olives, 1 red onion, juice of 1/2 a lemon, zest of 1 lemon, 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 (14 ounce) canned diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 3 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 3/4 cup Italian parsley, 3 cups chicken broth
Bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-14 minutes or until pasta is soft and the broth has evaporated.
As soon as the pasta is cooked add the cream, cheeses, and parsley. Stir until combined. Serve immediately.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup feta cheese