Orzo is a popular type of pasta that is shaped like large grains of rice. It has a delicious nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked, making it a versatile ingredient for many dishes. However, you may need to find a substitute if you don’t have orzo on hand or want to try something new. Luckily, there are several pasta shapes and grains that can be used in place of orzo.
Pasta Shapes
Small pasta shapes work best as orzo substitutes since they are similar in size and cook time. Here are some great options:
- Ditalini – Tiny tube or thimble-shaped pasta. Ditalini is a little smaller than orzo but has a similar bite.
- Anellini – Tiny ring-shaped pasta. Slightly smaller than orzo.
- Conchigliette – Tiny shell-shaped pasta. Conchiglie means “shells” in Italian.
- Mini farfalle – Tiny bowtie or butterfly-shaped pasta. The small size mimics orzo.
- Mini penne – Miniature penne pasta shapes. Penne rigate has ridges while penne lisce is smooth.
- Mini fusilli – Tiny twisted spiral pasta. Great at catching sauce.
Any small short cut pasta like macaroni or rotini also substitutes well for orzo. Mini farfalle and anellini are the most similar in shape and texture to orzo. Just remember to reduce the cooking time slightly for smaller pastas.
Rice
Using rice in place of orzo transforms a dish, but still provides a delicious base to soak up sauce. Arborio rice and long grain white rice are commonly used:
- Arborio rice – Short grained Italian rice used for risotto. Cooks up creamy.
- Long grain white rice – Fluffy texture and neutral flavor. Works in stir fries or rice salads.
- Brown rice – Fiber-rich whole grain. Nuttier taste than white rice.
- Wild rice – Chewy texture and distinct flavor. Use half wild and white rice.
- Risottos – Replace orzo in risottos with Arborio rice for an authentic Italian rice dish.
Rice may need slightly more or less liquid than orzo depending on variety. White rice and wild rice blends match orzo best.
Other Grains
Small grains like couscous, quinoa, and barley cook up similar to orzo pasta for a fiber and nutrient boost:
- Couscous – Tiny wheat pasta balls. Very quick cooking.
- Quinoa – Protein packed seed with fluffy texture. Rinse well before cooking.
- Pearled barley – Light and fluffy grain with chewy bite. Soak before cooking.
- Bulgur wheat – Parboiled cracked wheat with fluffy texture.
- Israeli (pearl) couscous – larger wheat balls. Cooks up chewy.
For best results, toast couscous, quinoa or barley briefly before simmering in broth or water. This enhances the nutty flavor and makes the grains fluffier.
Vegetables
Finely chopped vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli florets can mimic the size and texture of orzo. Other ideas include:
- Cauliflower rice – Pulse cauliflower in a food processor into rice-sized pieces.
- Broccoli florets – Small chopped florets add color and texture.
- Peas – Stir frozen peas into hot pasta dishes just before serving.
- Diced carrots – Finely dice carrots if you want a sweeter flavor.
- Spiralized vegetables – Use a spiralizer on zucchini, carrots, beets.
Saute chopped vegetables before adding to pasta dishes to enhance flavor. Add extra oil or broth since veggies won’t absorb as much liquid as pasta. Cauliflower rice works especially well in creamy risottos.
Beans and Legumes
Beans, chickpeas, and lentils are high in protein and fiber. Try these nutrient-packed orzo replacements:
- Cannellini beans – Creamy white beans pair well with Italian flavors.
- Chickpeas – Roasted chickpeas add nutty crunch to salads or grain bowls.
- Lentils – Protein-rich and able to absorb flavors. Use red, brown, French, or black varieties.
- Edamame – Sweet green soybeans, often used in Asian cuisine.
Remember to rinse canned beans before use to remove excess sodium. Cook dried beans from scratch by simmering until tender before adding to dishes. Massaged kale salad with chickpeas and tahini dressing is a nutritious orzo salad alternative.
Gluten-Free Options
For those avoiding gluten, try these gluten-free substitutes for orzo:
- Chickpea pasta – Made from garbanzo bean flour, has high protein.
- Rice noodles – Available in various shapes and widths.
- Quinoa pasta – Contains all essential amino acids.
- Black bean pasta – Rich source of fiber and iron.
- Banza pasta – Uses chickpeas. Nutty flavor and high protein.
Check labels to ensure pasta is 100% gluten-free, as some contain wheat flour in small amounts. As gluten-free pasta varies in composition, taste and texture can differ from traditional pasta. Rice and beans-based pastas mimic orzo most closely.
Low-Carb/Keto Substitutes for Orzo
If you are limiting carbs, try these low-carb substitutes for orzo:
- Miracle Noodle Shirataki – Made from konjac yam, very low net carbs.
- Kelp noodles – Seaweed-based noodles, saltier taste.
- Spaghetti squash – Replace noodles with roasted spaghetti squash strands.
- Zoodles – Spiralized zucchini noodles, add briefly at end.
- Cabbage – Finely shredded green or savoy cabbage.
Shirataki noodles require rinsing and briefly boiling to reduce any “fishy” odor. Use grated low-moisture mozzarella for a keto-friendly ricotta alternative in baked dishes. Monitor portion sizes of low-carb pasta replacements to keep calories under control.
Tips for Cooking Orzo Substitutes
When cooking pasta alternatives, keep these tips in mind for best results:
- Cook times vary – Follow package instructions and check frequently for doneness.
- Adjust liquid – Rice, grains may need more liquid than orzo pasta.
- Toast grains first – For added flavor, toast quinoa, barley briefly before cooking.
- Season vegetables – Saute chopped veggies before adding to pasta recipes.
- Rinse well – Rinse canned beans, lentils to reduce sodium.
- Save pasta water – The starchy water helps thicken and emulsify sauces.
Start by substituting half of the orzo called for in a recipe before completely replacing it. Cook pasta substitutes al dente, not overdone. For salads, chill completely before adding dressing to prevent absorbing excess moisture.
Recommended Substitutions
Refer to this handy chart for our top recommendations for substituting 1 cup cooked orzo pasta:
| Substitute | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mini farfalle | 1 cup |
| Arborio rice | 3/4 cup uncooked |
| Israeli couscous | 1 cup uncooked |
| Quinoa | 3/4 cup uncooked |
| Cauliflower rice | 2 cups riced raw |
| Chickpea pasta | 1 cup dry |
For 1 cup orzo in soup, stew or risotto, arborio rice is recommended. Mini farfalle works best in pasta salads, chickpea pasta for baked dishes, and cauliflower rice for stir fries. Adjust amounts as needed based on the texture you want.
Orzo Substitute Recipes
Try using orzo alternatives in these tasty recipes:
Quinoa Tabouli Salad
Tabouli is traditionally made with bulgur wheat, but quinoa adds high protein to this fresh herb salad. Parsley, lemon, olive oil, tomatoes, and cucumber keep it light and refreshing.
Riced Cauliflower Fried Rice
For a low-carb fried rice, use riced cauliflower instead of rice. Saute with eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, carrots, peas, and scallions. Add protein like chicken, shrimp or tofu.
Creamy Mushroom Barley Risotto
Nutty barley makes a delicious gluten-free risotto cooked in savory mushroom broth and white wine, loaded with sautéed mushrooms and Parmesan.
Lentil Bolognese Sauce
Hearty French lentils simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, oregano, basil, and red wine makes for a protein-packed bolognese.
Chickpea Pasta Salad
Blend chickpea pasta with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and Italian dressing for a hearty chilled salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does orzo really need to be substituted?
Not necessarily! Orzo has such a delicious flavor and texture that it’s hard to perfectly replicate. While the pasta alternatives listed can work in a pinch, small pasta shapes like mini farfalle are the closest match when you want that authentic orzo texture in dishes.
Can I use large pasta instead of orzo?
Larger pasta like elbow macaroni or rigatoni won’t mimic the texture of orzo as well since they are bigger and take longer to cook. Large shells or pasta shapes do work better in salads, as smaller pastas can clump together. In soups and stews, avoid larger pasta as it may overcook and fall apart.
Which is the best gluten-free orzo substitute?
Rice noodles and chickpea pasta come closest to orzo in taste and texture for gluten-free diets. Rice noodles work for Asian-style dishes, while chickpea pasta has an authentic bite for Italian recipes. Always check the label to confirm pasta is certified gluten-free.
Can I use orzo in rice pilaf or risotto?
Technically you can substitute orzo for Arborio rice in risottos, but the texture and finished result will be much different, as orzo is smaller and more delicate. The rice used for pilafs and risottos gives the dish its distinctive creamy yet chewy texture. Orzo works better in soups or pasta bakes.
Conclusion
With so many tasty options like mini pasta shapes, riced cauliflower, quinoa, chickpeas and more, you can find a delicious orzo substitute for any recipe. Consider the texture you want, cooking time, and flavor profile to select the best substitute. Experiment with different healthy whole grains, vegetables, and gluten-free options for an easy pasta swap. While not identical, many of these alternatives come close to orzo’s versatility, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes even without orzo pasta.