23 Best Substitutes For Orzo Pasta In Cooking That You Must Try

Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta, and is similar to rice. It is usually made from flour, but can also be made gluten-free. It is made with semolina or more popularly durum wheat.

The name ‘orzo’ is Italian for barley, and it originates from Italy, alike most pasta. Orzo is typically served in soups like minestrone, salads, and general pasta dishes.

It can be used as a less-filling option or a substitute in pasta dishes that use penne or smaller, denser, pasta shapes. As it is so small, it can be easily enjoyed like quinoa or rice, mixed into vegetable and dishes with a lot of sauce.

Orzo Origins

Orzo originates from Greece, and was extremely popular in Greek cooking before becoming prevalent in Italian cuisine. It has now spread to being used in most Mediterranean cooking.

It is also known as Risoni, and translates to barley in Italian. It is an extremely versatile pasta, used in middle eastern cuisine, too.

Orzo is traditionally used in Greek dishes such as lamb sew called ‘giouvetsi’, and this is also made across the Middle East.

It is good for using in paella too if you do not have paella rice, and is small enough to soak up any flavors from stews and sauce.

It is usually used in stews with meat, vegetable sauces, and as a lighter alternative to heavier pasta such as penne or rigatoni.

Because orzo is so small and unique, there are definitely alternatives that can be used, but nothing that is exactly the same.

Orzo holds its shape and soaks up flavor, so it is similar to rice, except it tends to stay together more as it contains more starch.

Orzo is often made of semolina flour which comes from durum wheat, and it is sturdy and strong.

Alternatives to orzo are easy to find, especially if the nearest market or store does not sell orzo, or it is difficult to get your hands on. Below, we will list some of the best alternatives to orzo.

Best Alternatives For Orzo Pasta

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a kind of short grain rice that is used in risotto. It originates from Italy, and is named after the town Arborio in the Piedmont region of Italy. The grains are short and fat, and are oval-shaped with a shinier exterior.

Up close, the rice is thinner and slightly transparent on the outer shell, and harder and starchier in the middle. When they are cooked, they are firm and chewy, and they hold their shape well.

Compared to other types of rice, they have a higher amylopectin content, which means they contain more starch, hence why they tend to be harder and chewier.

The taste is floury and starchy, and pairs well with soft flavors such as mushrooms to make a mushroom risotto, or aromatic herbs such as basil to make chicken and basil risotto.

It is relatively easy to cook and make, and it results in a creamy textured dish due to the starch present in the rice. To cook the rice, the scratch has to be released for it to be properly creamy in a risotto.

It has to be cooked slowly, with hot liquid like water or stock being added gradually, rather than all at once. If you put all the water in at once, the rice will not become creamy, because it has absorbed too much water.

It should be served slightly al dente, and is slightly firmer than other rice. This is why it makes an excellent alternative to orzo.

Orzo is similar in that it is starchy due to its size too, so orzo never becomes too soft like other pastas if you overcook them.

Arborio rice is smaller and creamier than orzo, but they have the same firmness and can be added to risottos and flavorful dishes. Because orzo soaks up flavor, it is perfect to use instead of orzo as it does the same thing in risotto.

How To Substitute

Arborio rice is Italian rice with a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Suppose you are substituting orzo pasta with arborio rice already soaked in liquid. If you are replacing arborio rice with pasta, you must cook the rice in broth before adding the liquid. Although its taste is starchy, it still substitutes orzo pretty well.

Pearl Barley

Pearl barley is a type of barley that has been processed to remove its fibrous and harder bran shell, similar to popcorn shells (but not as likely to get stuck in your teeth!).

Barley is a cereal grain that is grow, and is a type of seed from the barley grass that it comes from. It is one of the major cereals, and the grass is grown worldwide, in pretty much every climate.

It originated in Western Asia, and near the River Nile area of North Africa. Because it has been used in Tibetan cuisine since the fifth century, it has been known to be able to grow in colder climates, so it is extremely versatile and easy to grow.

Pearl barley is one of the most commons forms of barley, and the once that is eaten the most by us humans! It cooks fast and is softer than other forms of barley, and is used in Scottish and hearty dishes.

It is somewhat similar to wheat, and it has a soft texture that soaks up flavor, and is used primarily to make soups, stews, and curries.

Surprisingly, it is one of the main ingredients in the Italian dish called ‘orzotto’ which is essentially a risotto made with pearl barley! It has a nutty, neutral taste and thickens dishes, and has the same firmness as orzo.

It is healthy, with fiber and calcium. To use pearl barley as a substitute for orzo, it should be boiled separately to the stew or sauce that you are making.

This is because it will become soft and gooey, and it takes awhile to cook compared to orzo.

pearl barley can be cooked in around half an hour, and should not be cooked any longer if you want to avoid stodginess.

How To Substitute

Pearl barley is a type of grain with a chewy texture and nutty flavor that can easily substitute orzo pasta. You can use this pasta substitute for rice, vermicelli, or macaroni. In addition, Pearl barley has a lower glycemic index than other types of pasta, making it an appropriate option for people with diabetes.

Couscous

Couscous is a small fine grain that is made from semolina. It originates in north African cuisine, and is typically served with meat, chickpeas and vegetables.

Couscous is granules of rolled durum wheat semolina, and they are fine and very small.

It is suspected that couscous originated in Algeria, over a thousand years ago. It is made from the firm part of the durum, which is a harder part of the grain.

This is then topped with water and rolled to form the tiny pellets that make couscous and then dry flour is sprinkled on top to keep them apart. It is then sieved, to form these small semolina balls.

They are delicate and soft, but they do not fall apart because they are so small. Couscous is boiled for 8-10 minutes to achieve its textured fluffiness, and served with meat and vegetables, or in a sauce or stew.

Couscous is an excellent alternative to orzo because it can soak up flavor and is easily attainable.

How To Substitute

Couscous is one of the most popular ingredients to substitute orzo pasta with couscous. It is the perfect substitute for orzo because it is a more substantial and filling alternative to orzo pasta. In addition, orzo pasta is a gluten-free option available in many varieties.

Quinoa

Quinoa is from a flowering plant from Quechua, in South America. It has edible seeds, and this is what edible quinoa is formed from. Quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals, more than any other grain or cereal.

It has been consumed by humans for over three thousand years, and is considered a healthy food. It is gluten-free too, so this is an added bonus! It has a nice grainy, nutty flavor, and can be used in soups, salads, and as a side dish.

It soaks up flavor well as the flavor is rather mild, so it is perfect as an alternative to orzo. You should boil your quinoa with two cups of water per one cup of quinoa. The texture is similar to pearl barley, and it is soft and holds its shape well.

It is extremely easy to flavor quinoa. For example, you may want to add some stock to the water, salt, pepper, herbs, and any desired spices. It is definitely a lot softer than orzo, but it makes a perfect substitute in soups, stews, and salads.

How To Substitute

Quinoa is a gluten-free alternative to substitute orzo pasta in various dishes with a nutty and grainy flavor. It is a versatile option and works great in soups, salads, etc. However, it is softer, but if you use it wisely, it will give you an outstanding outcome.

Short-Grain Brown Rice

Short grain brown rice is an excellent substitute for orzo, and is gluten-free. It is long and wide, but not as long as orzo. It is similar to normal grain rice, but it is somewhat starchier because it is smaller.

It is denser, and has similar properties to orzo.

It is highly nutritious compared to orzo, and can help prevent heart problems as well as improve your general health. It is high in fiber and protein, making it magnificent as a side dish or to put in your soups and stews.

It will soak up flavors easier because it is smaller, and the grains do not stick together like some types of rice do. It is less starchy than arborio rice, so is better at soaking flavors and seasonings.

If you are using it in a soup or stew, it is recommended to boil the rice beforehand, until al dente, and adding it to your flavored liquid, so it absorbs your dish’s flavors.

How To Substitute

Short-grain brown rice is the perfect alternative to orzo pasta, with a highly nutritious content and similar properties to orzo. It absorbs the dish’s taste and works excellently with seasonings. It is suggested to boil it to use it in soups or stews.

Acini Di Pepe

Acini di pepe is a small, short pasta that translates to ‘seeds of pepper’ in Italian. They resemble tiny peppercorns, and they have a very similar texture to orzo. They are formed from semolina, the same as orzo.

They are a pastina (tiny pasta), just like orzo, and will soak up any flavors excellently. It is used in Italian soups, and they are like tiny cylinders of around 1 mm.

It is an excellent substitute or alternative to orzo because it holds very similar properties, and cooks in the same amount of time as orzo.

It should be boiled in water for around seven to eight minutes, and then added with your sauce, soup, or stew.

It also makes an splendid side, and can be seasoned to be delicious.

How To Substitute

It is traditionally prepared with orzo pasta, but the dish becomes very similar if substituted with acini di pepe. The dried red pepper dice and wheat flour are simmered in water and drained quickly to prepare acini di pepe.

Ditalini Pasta

For a heartier meal, substitute orzo pasta with ditalini pasta. The orzo is a long, thin pasta that is not gluten-free and must be boiled.

The ditalini is a smaller, tube-shaped pasta that cooks about half the time and is often used for sauces.

The ditalini pasta is prepared with durum wheat flour, and due to its small size, orzo pasta takes less time to cook.

How To Substitute

You may substitute orzo pasta with ditalini pasta in a 1:1 ratio. Although depending on your recipes, you may increase or decreases their quantity.

Orecchiette

Orecchiette pasta is made with semolina flour and comes in the shape of a small ear. Orecchiette pasta gives your recipe a fantastic look, and due to its size, it is best to use in recipes with sauces.

You may use orecchiette pasta in soups, salads, and other dishes in which you need orzo pasta. Apart from this, they have a unique flavor and soft and chewy texture.

How To Substitute

You can use it in the equal ratio that your recipe requires for orzo pasta.

Fregola

Fregola is a type of pasta shaped like a giant, irregularly-shaped pearl. It is made from a semolina dough soaked in cold water, cooked in boiling water, and then pressed into a mold.

It has a high protein content and is made from corn and wheat flour. It is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Replace it in seafood dishes, salad, pasta, etc.

How To Substitute

You may use it in exact quantity to replace orzo pasta.

Risoni

It might be challenging to get your hand on risoni, but if you find it, you have an excellent substitute for replacing orzo pasta in various dishes.

Risoni comes with a similar flavor and texture. Even if we talk about appearance, they are identical to orzo pasta, making them an excellent substitute for orzo.

How To Substitute

The best ratio to substitute orzo with risoni would be 1:1.

Farro

Farro looks similar in appearance to brown rice and barley. However, they come slightly larger.

Farro is chewier and can easily replace orzo pasta the way barley or brown rice will do. In addition, Farro is intact with many nutrient contents with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

How To Substitute

Use Farro to replace orzo pasta in a 1:1 ratio for best results.

Tubettini Pasta

Tubettini pasta is tube-shaped pasta made from semolina flour and water, unlike the typical pasta dough made with wheat flour and water. 

This pasta is often used in soups and can also be made into lasagna, ravioli, and cannelloni.

The tubettini pasta holds the sauce and juices exceptionally due to its shape, which makes it a fantastic choice to replace orzo in saucy recipes.

How To Substitute

You can substitute them in a ratio of 1:1.

Broken Spaghetti

Broken spaghetti is a unique and different option to substitute orzo pasta with broken spaghetti. You may break the spaghetti before using it, and you are good to go.

This broken spaghetti would work exceptionally well in casserole dishes that call for orzo pasta.

How To Substitute

You may substitute 1 part of orzo with 1 part of broken spaghetti.

Stelline

Stelline pasta is made from semolina flour, water, and salt.

It’s a perfect substitute for orzo pasta because it’s more substantial and holds up well in the cooking process.

In addition, it is more flavorful and has a lower glycemic index than orzo pasta. Stelline comes in a star shape and has a similar taste, flavor, and texture to orzo.

How To Substitute

The best ratio to substitute orzo pasta with stelline would be 1:1.

Small Elbow Macaroni

Here is your recipe savior if you are making soup or cold salad and don’t have orzo pasta. The small elbow macaroni is an excellent alternative to dishes that call for orzo pasta.

Small elbow macaroni comes larger than orzo pasta, but it will still be a great choice to try in your soup recipes.

How To Substitute

Use small elbow macaroni the same way your recipe calls for orzo pasta.

Cauliflower Rice

If you have cauliflower rice available in your kitchen, you have a handy alternative to fulfill the shortage of orzo pasta.

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to pasta that you can substitute for casserole dishes and other recipes.

They have a similar texture to couscous and are an excellent substitute for orzo.

How To Substitute

Use cauliflower rice in a similar quantity as orzo pasta in your recipe.

Millet

If you are preparing your favorite salad and run short of orzo pasta and do not have time to visit the grocery store, here is a handy alternative that you can find easily in your kitchen.

You may use millet, especially pearl millet, to substitute orzo pasta. It is a gluten-free alternative with high nutrients such as antioxidants, protein, and fiber.

They are perfect for soups, salads, and side dish recipes.

How To Substitute

You may use millet in a 1:1 ratio to substitute orzo pasta.

Bulgur

Bulgur is an ancient grain that is a popular breakfast item in Middle Eastern countries. Bulgur is also an excellent substitution for orzo pasta in any recipe. You may cook It like pasta and use it in any dish that usually calls for pasta.

They are a great alternative to orzo pasta for various recipes, and you may use them the same way you use couscous, quinoa, rice, etc.

How To Substitute

You may use bulgur in a 1:1 substitution ratio to replace orzo pasta.

Lentils

Most people believe that substituting orzo pasta with lentils is a challenging task. However, for a healthier and gluten-free alternative, you may use lentils.

Lentils come in different varieties with different colors and sizes. You may use them depending on your recipe and the color or flavor it requires.

How To Substitute

You may use it in a 1:1 ratio to substitute lentils.

White Rice

If you’re not a fan of orzo pasta, try substituting it with white rice. Orzo is a small round pasta similar to rice in size and shape.

White rice can be an excellent option for pasta dishes because it’s easy to prepare and cooks quickly. You may use it in dishes like soups, stews, and salads. In addition, it’s one of the most affordable types of rice and cooks in just 20 minutes.

How To Substitute

You may start by adding a little quantity to your recipe and increase it with the requirement of your dish.

Amaranth

With a distinct nutty flavor and crunchy texture, the amaranth will enhance the taste profile of your recipe. Since Amaranth and orzo pasta have different be ready to dive into other but delicious recipes.

Depending on your recipe requirement, you may use amaranth in various ways by boiling, roasting, and popping.

How To Substitute

For best results, substitute orzo pasta with amaranth for a 1:1 substitution ratio.

Teff

Teff is the smallest of all grains. Teff is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an excellent grain for gluten-intolerant people. It is a classic option to replace orzo pasta in various recipes.

Without orzo pasta, you may use this gluten-free, whole grain, and vegan recipe substitutes teff. It is a nutritious and low-carb grain with a slightly chewy texture.

How To Substitute

Use teff to replace orzo pasta in a substitution ratio of 1:1.

Freekeh

Freekeh, a whole-grain, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich type of wheat, is a quick-cooking and gluten-free alternative to orzo pasta. In addition, it is a good source of iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and calcium.

Freekeh has a slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture that is perfect for vegetarian or vegan dishes. In addition, Freekeh is an excellent alternative to any pasta, which is high in carbohydrates and calories.

How To Substitute

Use Freekah in an equal ratio to substitute orzo pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Types Of Rice Are There?

Overwhelmingly, there are over 40,000 different types of rice! It would be impossible to list them all, but the most common types of rice are basmati rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, white rice, long-grain rice, short-grain rice, and wild rice.

How Many Types Of Pasta Are There?

There are around 350 different types of pasta, which is a lot less than rice! There are different shapes in different regions of Italy, but some of the most common are spaghetti, fusilli, linguine, fettuccine, and penne.

What’s A Good Gluten-Free Substitute For Orzo Pasta?

Quinoa and short-grain brown rice are exceptional gluten-free alternatives to orzo they share similar properties, and are equally delicious.

Short grain brown rice is probably more similar to orzo in texture and taste, but quinoa can be easier to season and flavor.

Is Orzo Healthier Than Rice?

As much as we wish pasta was the healthiest food in the world, most are healthy, but in moderation. Orzo is one of the healthiest due to the wheat it is made from. Per serving, orzo contains around 5-7 grams of protein, which is pretty good.

Orzo has double the amount of protein as rice, and is contains more carbohydrates due to this. Rice is from a cereal grain, whereas orzo is formed from flour. They are both healthy in moderation, but rice may be slightly less guilty!

Does Orzo Taste Like Rice?

Orzo does not taste like rice, but is versatile and delicate, similar to rice. Rice has a nutty and grainy taste, whereas orzo is slightly more delicate, and even floury. Orzo does not taste as strong as other pasta, and is easily seasoned, like rice.

Is Basmati Rice A Good Substitute For Orzo?

Basmati rice is long and aromatic. It is typically used in Indian dishes, and holds a unique flavor. It may not be the best rice as an alternative to orzo due to this.

Orzo takes on other flavors well, whereas basmati tends to retain its aromatic scent and taste.

23 Best Substitutes For Orzo Pasta In Cooking That You Must Try

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Looking for a substitute for orzo pasta? Check out our roundup of substitutes that will have you covered.

Ingredients

• Arborio Rice

• Pearl Barley

• Couscous

• Quinoa

• Short-Grain Brown Rice

• Acini Di Pepe

• Ditalini Pasta

• Orecchiette

• Fregola

• Risoni

• Farro

• Tubettini Pasta

• Broken Spaghetti

• Stelline

• Small Elbow Macaroni

• Cauliflower Rice

• Millet

• Bulgur

• Lentils

• White Rice

• Amaranth

• Teff

• Freekeh

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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