HelloFresh Orzo Recipe

This HelloFresh orzo dish is rich, velvety, and packed with ingredients that come together AMAZINGLY!

Toasting the orzo in a little butter before adding the liquid gives it a deeper, nuttier taste.

I make sure to stir the orzo constantly in the first few minutes of cooking to keep it from clumping and to help it absorb flavors evenly.

If the orzo starts sticking before it’s fully cooked, a small splash of water or broth will loosen it right up without throwing off the consistency.

This is one of those recipes that feels way more involved than the effort it takes, which is why I keep coming back to it!

How to Make HelloFresh Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo
• 8 oz Chicken Sausage
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add chicken sausage slices and cook until browned on the outside.

Step 2:

Add cherry tomatoes to the pan with the sausage.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

Step 3:

Stir in the orzo pasta and mix evenly with other ingredients.

Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4:

Cover the pan and let the orzo cook, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

This takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5:

Before serving, stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted smoothly into the mixture.

Serve this tasty dish warm.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always try to use the freshest ingredients available to enhance the flavor of the dish fully.

Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference.

Adjust the Seasoning

Feel free to add more salt and pepper to taste as you go along.

You can also add herbs like basil for an additional layer of flavor.

Cheese Melt

Make sure the cheese is fully melted and mixed before serving.

If the dish seems dry, add a little more water and let it warm up again.

Adding Vegetables

If you want to add some extra veggies, bell peppers, and zucchini work perfectly with this orzo recipe.

They add color and nutritional value.

Keep Stirring

Keep the orzo moving in the pan to prevent it from sticking.

This helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish and achieves the best texture.

What to Serve with HelloFresh Orzo Recipe

Classic Garlic Bread

A slice of garlic bread is always a wonderful choice when serving orzo dishes.

The crusty exterior and soft, buttery interior pair well with the subtle flavors of orzo.

Prepare it with fresh garlic and herbs for maximum flavor.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables add a touch of earthy flavors and a hint of smokiness to your meal.

You can grill zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to make a colorful platter.

Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple yet flavorful side.

Mixed Green Salad

A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of an orzo dish.

Include arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a splash of balsamic vinaigrette.

Adding cherry tomatoes and cucumbers makes it refreshing and crunchy.

Lemon-Roasted Potatoes

For something interesting, try lemon-roasted potatoes.

Cut small potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary.

Roast until golden and crisp, and you’ll have a citrusy side dish ready to go.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Spicy roasted chickpeas are a nutritious option that many don’t think of immediately.

Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and a dash of chili powder.

Roast them until crispy for an addictive, protein-packed crunch.

Charred Corn Salad

Charred corn salad brings a sweet and smoky twist to your plate.

Cook corn on high heat until slightly charred, then mix with red onion and lime juice.

A sprinkle of cilantro adds a fresh finish to this unexpected side dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Mix It Up

You can mix up your orzo recipe by swapping proteins.

If you’re not feeling chicken, try using shrimp or tofu instead. Each adds a unique twist to the dish.

Spice It Your Way

Feel free to adjust the spices.

Adding some Cajun or Italian seasoning can bring a new flavor profile that keeps your taste adventure exciting.

Veggie Boost

Incorporate seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed and stirred with orzo.

Each veggie adds its own texture and flavor.

Dairy Alternatives

Use dairy alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant.

Substituting regular cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese can be a game-changer without sacrificing taste.

Try Whole-Grain

Consider trying whole-grain orzo.

It adds a little more fiber to your meal and offers a slightly nuttier flavor that complements various dishes.

How to Store Leftover Orzo

Storing leftover orzo properly can help keep it fresh and delicious for days.

Try to consume your leftover orzo within three to five days for best quality.

If it’s been seasoned with sauces or mixed with vegetables, the lifespan might vary.

Keep It Cool

Put your airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible to stop bacteria from developing.

Keep the temperature as low as possible without freezing the orzo.

Add A Little Moisture

Add a teaspoon of water or olive oil before sealing the container, especially if the orzo seems dry.

This helps keep the orzo from becoming too dry over time.

Label It

Label the container with the date to keep track of when you stored it.

This way, you won’t find old leftovers lurking in the back of the fridge later on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Orzo

You don’t want mushy orzo that loses its texture and appeal.

Cook your orzo until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a bit of bite.

A few minutes less than the package directions can make all the difference.

Using Too Little Water

With orzo, you need plenty of water to keep everything cooking smoothly.

Orzo expands quite a bit as it cooks, and too little water could result in clumpy pasta.

Make sure to use a spacious pot with ample water for the best results.

Skipping the Oil

Avoid sticky orzo by mixing in a small amount of olive oil after cooking.

This step is crucial if you plan to store your orzo for later use.

Don’t skip it unless you’re mixing your pasta with a sauce immediately.